Mung Bean Soup with Warming Spices (Printable)

Comforting mung beans simmered with warming Indian spices and fresh vegetables for a nourishing bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried mung beans, rinsed and soaked for 4 hours or overnight

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 1 medium tomato, chopped
07 - 1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp ground cumin
09 - 1 tsp ground coriander
10 - 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
11 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
13 - 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing), optional
14 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

→ Liquids

15 - 6 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Garnishes

16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

# Steps:

01 - Drain and rinse the soaked mung beans thoroughly.
02 - In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in carrots, tomato, green chili (if using), cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and asafoetida. Cook for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
05 - Add mung beans and pour in the water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the mung beans are soft and the soup thickens.
06 - Add salt and adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This soup heals what ails you, whether physical or emotional
  • The ingredients are humble but the flavor is profoundly satisfying
  • It comes together effortlessly and tastes even better the next day
02 -
  • Rinse your soaked beans thoroughly until the water runs completely clear
  • Letting mustard seeds sizzle first releases their essential oils
  • The soup will continue thickening as it sits, so dont worry if it looks thin initially
03 -
  • Mash about a quarter of the beans against the side of the pot for naturally creamy texture
  • Use homemade vegetable broth if you want the cleanest flavor
  • Add the lemon juice gradually and taste as you go
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