Easy Ginisang Munggo Recipe
I. Introduction
A comforting mung bean stew with leafy greens and often pork or shrimp—nutritious, hearty, and deeply Filipino. This Easy Ginisang Munggo Recipe presents a beloved Filipino dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, perfect as a light meal or appetizer.
II. Ingredients
- 1 cup mung beans (monggo), washed and drained
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup malunggay leaves or spinach
- 1/4 lb pork or dried fish (optional)
- Fish sauce (patis) to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 3-4 cups water
III. Equipment
- Pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
IV. Instructions
- Soak mung beans in water for 2-3 hours for faster cooking (optional but recommended).
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- If using pork, add it and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the mung beans and water, enough to cover by about 2 inches.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30-45 minutes until beans are soft.
- Season with fish sauce to taste.
- Add malunggay or spinach leaves and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
V. Tips
Soak beans for faster cooking; use daing (dried fish) for umami depth. The mung beans should be tender but not mushy. If using dried fish, add it early in the cooking process to infuse the broth with flavor. Season with patis at the end to taste, as it’s quite salty.
VI. Serving
With steamed rice—ideal for rainy days. This simple, nutritious dish pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or other simple preparations. It’s a comfort food that’s particularly good on cooler days when something warm and hearty is desired.
VII. Storage
Keeps 3-4 days; flavors improve over time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beans will continue to absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
