Ginisang Munggo (Mung Bean Soup / Stew)

With beans, spinach, tomatoes, and meat this hearty and healthy Filipino dish – Mung Bean soup (Ginisang Munggo) is filling and delicious!

What Is Ginisang Munggo?

Ginisang Munggo is a Filipino mung bean soup, a comforting dish that combines earthy mung beans, savory meat, and a variety of vegetables and spices. This dish embodies the heartwarming flavors of Filipino cuisine and is often enjoyed as a hearty meal, especially during the rainy season. It’s a nutritious option that offers a rich source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

What are Mung Beans?

Mung Beans, locally called “munggo,” is considered a staple food in the Philippines, especially in the provinces. Mung beans are small, green legumes that are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and a wealth of essential nutrients.

Just a small amount of mung beans with added meat (like chicken, pork, or shrimp) or even meatless truly goes a long, long way and can easily feed an entire family.

I think that’s why it’s quite popular. Not only can it feed a lot of people – but it is also quite cheap and also very nutritious! If you’re abroad, you can find mung beans either in the Asian section of your grocery or in any Asian store.

My simple reason for loving this dish is because of the taste – and the fact that it’s also really good for you is a major bonus.

My entire family loves this, especially my husband and son. I love it with pork and I just cook both the beans and pork together which makes everything easier.

If you don’t fancy pork, no worries – you can certainly use chicken, shrimp, or even fish (usually smoked fish), and perfectly suitable for vegetarians and vegans because the meat is totally optional.

My hubby loves the vegetarian version so I sometimes make this without the meat; I just shorten the cooking time if it’s just the beans.

For this winter season, you can certainly make this soup. Others call it a stew but either way you call it – it’s hearty and delicious! This is my comfort food this winter! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Ginisang Munggo or Mung Bean Soup a healthy dish? Yes, Ginisang Munggo is a healthy and nutritious dish. Mung beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The addition of vegetables further enhances its nutritional value.

Can I make Ginisang Munggo or Mung Bean stew vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Ginisang Munggo by omitting the meat and using tofu as a substitute. Ensure that you use a vegetarian-friendly seasoning instead of fish sauce.

What can I use if I can’t find mung beans? If you can’t find mung beans, you can substitute them with red or green lentils, which offer a similar texture and flavor.

Are there any regional variations of Ginisang Munggo or Mung Bean Stew? Yes, there are regional variations of this dish across the Philippines. Some regions add coconut milk for a creamier texture, while others use different vegetables and seasonings to put their unique spin on Ginisang Munggo.

What can I use instead of fish sauce to season Mung Bean Soup? You can leave out the fish sauce, if you don’t fancy it – the soy sauce and salt should be fine, too. I do add the fish sauce for extra flavor but it surely can be made without it.

Ginisang Munggo, or Mung Bean Soup, is a beloved Filipino comfort food that embodies the rich flavors and heartwarming spirit of Filipino cuisine. With its nutritional benefits and delightful taste, it’s a must-try dish for anyone seeking a taste of the Philippines. In the recipe below we will teach you how to make Ginisang Munggo (or Mung Bean Stew). It is an easy and delicious recipe for Mung Bean Soup that anyone can make!

So, why not roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself to a steaming bowl of Ginisang Munggo? Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Ginisang Munggo – Filipino Mung Bean Stew

1 ½ cups Mung beans (yellow or green)
1 lb Pork or Beef cubes
8 cups Water
2 Tbsp Olive oil
5-6 crushed Garlic cloves
2 medium-size Onions, chopped
5 diced Roma Tomatoes
3 Tbsp light Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (10 oz) bag of Spinach

Instructions for Filipino Mung Bean Stew (Ginisang Munggo) Recipe

Place the dried mung beans and meat in a heavy-bottomed, large, and deep pan (like a Dutch oven). Pour the water over. Bring to a boil, cover, and then simmer until the meat is tender (about 1 hour more or less).

The mung should be tender already at this point. Refill the water as needed. If you are using Beef which takes longer to cook, I suggest boiling it first until the meat is slightly tender.

Add the mung beans and continue to simmer until both the beans and beef are tender. Turn off the heat.

In another large skillet, heat the oil. Saute the garlic and onion for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.  Lightly season with salt and pepper.

Stir the cooked tomatoes into the beans mixture. Season with soy sauce and fish sauce, to taste. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes or until wilted.

If you want a thicker soup simmer until the desired consistency is reached or if you wish a more watery one, just add more water. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Ladle into bowls or have it with rice! So yum!

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Ginisang Munggo (Mung Bean Soup / Stew)

Manila Spoon

With beans, spinach, tomatoes, and meat this hearty and healthy Filipino Mung Bean soup (Ginisang Munggo) is filling and delicious!

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Save Saved!

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian Cuisine, Filipino, South East Asian

Servings 8

Calories 349 kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

US CustomaryMetric

• 1 ½ cups Mung beans, yellow or green
• 1 lb Pork or Beef cubes
• 8 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 5-6 crushed Garlic cloves
• 2 medium-size Onions, chopped
• 5 Roma Tomatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons light Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 oz bag of Spinach

Instructions

 

• Place the dried mung beans and meat on a heavy-bottomed, large and deep pan (like a Dutch oven). Pour the water over. Bring to a boil, cover and then simmer until the meat is tender (about 1 hour more or less).
• The mung should be tender already at this point. Refill the water as needed. If you are using Beef which takes longer to cook, I suggest boiling it first until the meat is slightly tender.
• Add the mung beans and continue to simmer until both the beans and beef are tender. Turn off heat.
• In another large skillet, heat the oil. Saute the garlic and onion for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.  Lightly season with salt and pepper.
• Stir the cooked tomatoes into the beans mixture. Season with soy sauce and fish sauce, to taste. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes or until wilted.
• If you want a thicker soup simmer until desired consistency is reached or if you wish a more watery one, just add more water. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Ladle into bowls or have it with rice! So yum!

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 22gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 811mgPotassium: 1011mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3695IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 4mg

Keyword authentic recipe for mung bean soup, how to make ginisang munggo, how to make mung bean soup

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Last updated on November 2nd, 2023 at 03:53 pm