9 Great Mung Bean Recipes

If you’ve never had mung beans, it’s time to try ’em! Bursting with nutrients including potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium in addition to vitamins A – E, these little guys are known for being helpful in reducing heart disease and breast cancer rates among regular eaters. Native to India, mung beans are prevalent in Asian recipes (as well as many others!) and can be cooked or eaten as sprouts to retain the highest nutrient content. Slightly sweet in flavor, they are often made into a paste that can be found even in desserts! Let’s take a peek at some of the best mung bean recipes we found this week:

Mung Bean Falafel Wrap

Although traditionally made with chickpeas, mung beans also work great in falafel! This recipe requires an overnight soak, so be sure to read it over at least a day ahead of your cook time.

Mung Bean Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

Serve these up for breakfast or dinner – just make sure you’ve got your favorite dressing or topping on hand to go with it. We recommend them alongside a vegan yogurt or maple syrup or jam if you prefer something sweet.

Rustic Mung Bean Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty Irish classic takes only 35 minutes to prepare from start to serve! Full of veggies, potatoes and of course, mung beans, this dish will go over great on cold or rainy evenings.

Quinoa Gado-Gado

You’ll need mung bean sprouts for this one; if you don’t have any, try this method of sprouting (it takes some time, so be sure to read a few days ahead of cook time – or you can simply purchase them sprouted already.) This colorful creation takes only 30 minutes to make and provides approximately 20 grams of protein per serving!

Easy Vegan Pad Thai

Crispy pan-fried tofu and sprouted mung beans (yes, you’ll need the sprouts again for this one) make this mouth-watering Thai favorite a hit. Mix up your toppings for some texture variety!

Deconstructed Spring Roll Slaw

You can put this tasty blend inside a wrap or serve it on its own. Be sure to put it on pretty plates either way. (scroll to the bottom on this website to find the English translation; the first part is in French)

Brown Rice Mung Bean Kitchari Stew

Follow the simple step by step instructions for this one, with the option to cook it up in a saucepan or a pressure cooker – whichever you prefer! There are also notes on how to prepare it without oil if desired. Serve it up with your favorite warm bread on the side.

Mung Bean Sprout Salad

If you need an easy nutritious salad for your lunch or new, unique side dish for your summer picnics, this colorful creation should do the trick. Yes, you’ll need the sprouts again, and a little fresh lemon for both the recipe and garnish.

Sesame & Caramel-Coated Rice Balls

These make a delightful finish to any Asian meal. Make sure you have enough time for the dough to sit when you make this one – it can take up to an hour.