Mung Bean Curry

Bold, Bright & Comforting

How Each Element Elevates the Bowl

If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting yet energizing, deeply nourishing but still full of flavor—this whole mung bean curry bowl was made for you. Every element of this bowl is crafted to bring contrast and harmony to your plate.

Mung Bean Curry

The centerpiece of the bowl, this curry is earthy and nourishing with a creamy texture and layered spice. Aromatics like cumin, ginger, and garlic are bloomed in ghee to create a deeply flavorful base, while lime juice adds a final lift of brightness. It’s warm, comforting, and protein-rich without being heavy.

Mung beans are a powerhouse legume—high in plant-based protein, rich in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, and iron. They support digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and provide lasting energy without feeling heavy.

Coconut Rice

Fragrant jasmine or basmati rice is simmered with coconut milk and lemon zest for a soft, rich texture that balances the curry’s spices. The subtle sweetness and richness of the coconut round out the meal, helping to carry flavor across each bite.

Garlicky Greens

Lightly sautéed kale, chard, or spinach is infused with garlic, cumin seeds, and chili flakes, then finished with a squeeze of lemon. These greens bring a welcome bitterness and a savory edge that cuts through the creaminess of the rice and curry.

Mango-Lime Chutney

This quick chutney offers a burst of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that wakes up the whole bowl. The mango’s brightness enhances the savory elements, while the lime and ginger give it a fresh, clean finish. It's the palate-cleansing contrast that ties everything together.

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Everything You Need to Cook This Meal From Scratch

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Instructions

Yield: 4 Servings | Total Time: 1 hour 15 min (plus soaking time)

Part One: The Beans

Soak Beans Overnight
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup dried mung beans

Place beans in a bowl and cover with water and soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Simmer Beans
INGREDIENTS: 3 1/2 cups water; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp salt

Drain the beans through a mesh strainer and place them in a medium saucepan with water, turmeric, and salt. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer (not boiling) for 40-50 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

Cook the Aromatics
INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp ghee; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/4 tsp chili flakes; 1/4 tsp mustard seeds; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated

In a sauté pan, heat ghee and toast cumin seeds, chili flakes, and mustard seeds for 30 seconds. Then add diced onion, garlic cloves, and ginger. Sauté until it's deep golden.

Bring It All Together
INGREDIENTS: juice of 1/2 lime; cilantro, chopped

When the beans are finished cooking, strain them again through the mesh strainer and add them to the sauté pan with the aromatics. Mix with a wooden spoon, finish with lime juice and top with cilantro.

Part Two: Coconut-Lemon Rice

Cook Rice
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup rice; 3/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk; 1 cup water; 1 tsp salt; zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp coconut oil; 1 tsp toasted shredded coconut (optional)

Rinse rice in fine mesh sieve until water runs clear. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and lemon zest in a small pot and bring to a boil. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with coconut oil.

Part Three: Mango Lime Chutney

Mix Together
INGREDIENTS: 1 mango, diced; juice of 1/2 lime, 1-inch piece ginger grated; 1 tsp honey; 1/8 tsp chili powder; 1/8 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and let sit 10-15 minutes before eating.

Part Four: Garlicky Spiced Greens

Cook Aromatics
INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp ghee; 1/2 tsp cumin seeds; 1/4 chili flakes; 2 cloves garlic, sliced

Heat ghee in large skillet and add cumin seeds and chili flakes. Once fragrant, stir in garlic. Cook until garlic begins to darken (don't wait for it to completely brown)

Cook the Greens
INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch chard, kale or spinach, chopped; juice of 1/2 lemon

Add the greens and sauté until tender. Add salt to taste. Finish with lemon juice for contrast.