Imagine a hearty, nutritious soup that tells a story of Filipino home cooking in every spoonful. Ginisang Munggo is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of the Philippines. This humble mung bean soup is packed with protein, bursting with fresh vegetables, and guaranteed to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mung beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 cups spinach or other leafy greens
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Rinse the mung beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the diced tomato and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomato softens and releases its juices.
- Add the rinsed mung beans to the pot and pour in the 4 cups of water. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check if more water is needed to keep the soup from drying out.
- Once the mung beans are cooked, add the fish sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, add the spinach or other leafy greens to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, and enjoy your Ginisang Munggo with steamed rice or as is!
Tips
- Rinse your mung beans thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Be patient while simmering the beans - low and slow is the key to achieving the perfect tender texture.
- Use fresh garlic and don't rush the sautéing process to develop a rich, aromatic base.
- For extra flavor, you can add some crispy pork or shrimp to make the dish more substantial.
- Choose fresh, vibrant spinach or leafy greens to add at the end for maximum nutrition and color.
- Don't skip the fish sauce - it's the secret ingredient that adds depth and authentic Filipino flavor.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg