Mung Bean Porridge in Coconut Milk: Tradition, Taste, and Nutrition
Creamy and satisfying, this plant-based delight offers nourishing warmth for any meal.
Mung bean porridge simmered in fragrant coconut milk is a beloved staple across many Asian cultures. Revered for its creamy texture, subtly sweet flavor, and restorative qualities, this comforting dish is enjoyed both for breakfast and dessert. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mung bean porridge: its cultural history, health benefits, essential ingredients, methods for perfect preparation, and creative serving ideas. Whether you’re seeking an approachable vegan treat or a nutritious breakfast, this porridge delivers both flavor and wellness in every bowl.
What Is Mung Bean Porridge?
Mung bean porridge is a creamy dish made by simmering mung beans with aromatic spices and sweeteners until tender, then enriching the mix with coconut milk. Known throughout Southeast and East Asia—where it appears as “bubur kacang hijau” in Indonesia, “ginataang monggo” in the Philippines, or simply as sweet green bean soup in China—this porridge can be served hot or chilled, as a yin-cooling breakfast, nourishing snack, or wholesome dessert.
Key Benefits of Mung Beans
- Rich in plant-based protein: One of the highest-protein legumes, making it excellent for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- High fiber content: Supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Loaded with antioxidants: May reduce risk of heart disease and aid in cellular repair.
- Low glycemic index: Suitable for people managing blood sugar or on weight-reduction diets.
- Nutrient-dense: Good source of potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and folate.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mung bean porridge is prized for its cooling and detoxifying effects, especially in the heat of summer.
Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mung beans | Base; provides protein, fiber, and texture |
| Coconut milk | Gives creaminess, subtle sweetness, and rich mouthfeel |
| Sugar | Sweetens and balances earthiness; adjust to taste or use honey/maple syrup |
| Salt | Brightens the overall flavor |
| Ginger, cinnamon, or pandan | Infuses warmth, fragrance, and authenticity |
| Vanilla | Optional; complements the dessert’s aroma |
Step-By-Step Recipe for Mung Bean Porridge in Coconut Milk
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 cup dried mung beans (about 200g)
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick (4 inches)
- Ginger (1-2 inches, peeled, sliced)
- 1 cup sugar (white or brown, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions
- Soak and rinse the mung beans: Rinse beans thoroughly in cold water, discarding any debris. Overnight soaking reduces cooking time, but is optional.
- Simmer the beans: Place mung beans, water, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beans soften and begin to split—about 40 minutes if unsoaked, or 20-25 minutes if soaked. Add more water during simmering if the beans threaten to dry out.
- Add sweeteners and flavorings: Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the porridge thickens slightly.
- Enrich with coconut milk: Lower heat and pour in the coconut milk. Warm gently—do not boil—or the milk may separate or grow too thick. Remove the cinnamon and ginger.
- Serve: Ladle porridge into bowls. Enjoy warm for breakfast, or chill and serve cold as a sweet snack or dessert.
Cook’s Notes & Variation Tips
- Sweetness level: Start with less sugar and adjust after adding coconut milk. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used in place of sugar.
- Consistency: For a thinner soup, add more water or coconut milk at the end. For a thicker texture, simmer a little longer.
- Add-ins: Diced jackfruit, taro, or sweet potato turn the porridge into a more filling treat. Sago pearls are a traditional addition in some Southeast Asian recipes.
- Aromatic upgrades: Use pandan leaves or whole cloves for more fragrance. Vanilla is optional.
- Leftovers: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir in a splash of coconut milk to rehydrate when reheating.
Nutritional Information
| Per serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~244 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Nutrition may vary with sweetener choice or optional additions.
The Cultural Story of Mung Bean Porridge
Mung bean porridge’s roots stretch across Asia, where variations are enjoyed in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond. Known as “bubur kacang hijau” in Indonesia or “tau suan” in southern China, it adapts to local tastes—sometimes sweet, sometimes slightly salty, often vegan, and always deeply comforting. In the Philippines, coconut cream-laden ginataang munggo is a familiar childhood treat. No matter the region, the combination of tender mung beans and creamy coconut milk signals both tradition and warmth.
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Serving Occasions
- Breakfast: Substantial enough to start the day, especially in hot climates where its cooling effects are appreciated.
- Dessert: Served warm or chilled at the end of a meal or with tea.
- Snack: Nutritious option between meals, especially for children and the elderly.
How to Customize Mung Bean Porridge
Adapt your porridge to taste and dietary needs:
- Make it vegan: This recipe is plant-based by default.
- Low sugar: Use less sugar and boost natural sweetness with fruit toppings like jackfruit, banana, or mango.
- Higher protein: Add chia or hemp seeds as garnish for a protein boost.
- Alternate milks: Substitute cashew or almond milk for coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Festive toppings: Toasted coconut flakes, roasted peanuts, and black sesame seeds add flavor and crunch.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Soak for speed: Soaking beans overnight cuts cooking time nearly in half.
- Don’t overcook coconut milk: Add coconut milk at the end and heat gently to prevent curdling or separation.
- Cook in a slow cooker: For velvety beans and minimum attention, simmer everything (except coconut milk) on low for 6 hours, then stir in coconut milk at the end.
- Monitor water levels: Beans can absorb a considerable amount of liquid. Always check midway and add hot water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is mung bean porridge gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used (especially flavorings and sweeteners) are gluten-free, this porridge is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make mung bean porridge ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The porridge will thicken in the fridge, so stir in more water or coconut milk to restore your preferred consistency when reheating.
Can this recipe be made in a pressure cooker?
Absolutely. Pressure cook soaked beans with spices and water for 10-15 minutes. Use the sauté function to add sugar and coconut milk after cooking then heat until just warmed through.
What are the best toppings for mung bean porridge?
Popular toppings include diced jackfruit, mango, banana slices, toasted coconut, sesame seeds, and sago pearls. Serve with a drizzle of extra coconut milk for extra creaminess.
What is the origin of mung bean porridge?
Mung bean porridge is an ancient dish with roots in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking, known for its nourishing and cooling properties and enjoyed in various forms across Asia.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
- Chilled for summer: Serve cold over ice for an ultra-refreshing treat.
- With tropical fruit: Pair with sliced mango, lychee, or jackfruit to highlight Southeast Asian flavors.
- Afternoon tea: Offer as a sweet and filling snack with jasmine or chrysanthemum tea.
- Dessert bar: Portion into small cups for a healthy, gluten-free dessert option at gatherings.
Summary of Health Benefits
- Supports digestive health: High fiber aids regularity and helps maintain gut health.
- Plant-based protein: Excellent for vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets.
- Cooling and anti-inflammatory: Traditional medicine uses mung beans to counteract heat and inflammation.
- Energy and satiety: Protein and fiber content help keep you full, supporting healthy eating patterns.
Final Thoughts
Mung bean porridge in coconut milk is more than just a comforting bowl—it’s a blend of tradition, nutrition, and adaptability. With its deep roots in Asian cuisine and healthful combination of plant-based ingredients, it’s a time-tested dish that fits seamlessly into contemporary eating. Creamy yet light, sweet yet wholesome, and endlessly customizable, this porridge deserves a spot both at breakfast and dessert. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and making it your own!
References
- https://www.tn.gov/wfhtn/resources/recipes/breakfast/mung-bean-porridge-in-coconut-milk.html
- https://thefeedfeed.com/dian86/mung-bean-porridge-with-coconut-milk
- https://www.storyofakitchen.com/dessert-recipes/mung-bean-porridge/
- https://utopia.org/guide/mung-bean-porridge-healthy-vegan-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3SLcYiQvsc
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