Monggo Soup, or Mung Bean Soup, is a classic Filipino dish that offers a comforting and wholesome experience. This dish is beloved for its simplicity, heartiness, and the delightful balance of flavors it brings. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, nutritious meal or just craving something warm and satisfying, Monggo Soup is a fantastic choice. It features mung beans as the star ingredient, which are not only delicious but packed with nutrients.
It’s the kind of soup you can make in a pinch, but it also has layers of flavor that develop slowly as it simmers. Often served with rice, this dish can be the main attraction of a meal or a side dish to accompany other Filipino favorites. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some expert tips to make your Monggo Soup the best it can be!
Monggo Soup Recipe
This recipe for Monggo Soup is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious. The mung beans, cooked until soft and velvety, are simmered with pork, garlic, onions, and other key ingredients to create a rich and flavorful broth. Some variations even include leafy greens like spinach or malunggay, adding a touch of brightness to the dish.
Ingredients Needed
To make Monggo Soup, you’ll need the following:
- Mung beans (monggo) – This is the base of the soup. It’s best to rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt.
- Pork (usually pork belly or pork shoulder) – Pork adds depth and richness to the broth. You can substitute with other meats like chicken or even go vegetarian by omitting it entirely.
- Garlic (minced) – The aromatic base that imparts a warm, savory note to the soup.
- Onion (chopped) – Adds sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Tomato (chopped) – Brings acidity and freshness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the pork.
- Fish sauce (patis) – A must-have in Filipino cooking, providing a savory, umami depth to the broth.
- Water – To cook the mung beans and create the soup base.
- Spinach or Malunggay (Moringa leaves) – For added nutrition and a touch of green. Spinach is a common substitute for Malunggay, but if you can find Malunggay, it’s worth the try.
- Cooking oil – For sautéing the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, adjusting for seasoning at the end of cooking.
Cooking Instructions
Making Monggo Soup is as easy as following a few simple steps:
-
Rinse The Mung Beans
- Start by rinsing the mung beans under cold water to remove any impurities. Set them aside to drain.
-
Cook The Pork
- Heat some cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork pieces and cook until they’re browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- The pork will render some fat, adding richness to the soup.
-
Sauté The Aromatics
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, and tomatoes to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onions are translucent.
-
Add The Mung Beans
- Stir in the rinsed mung beans and toss them with the sautéed pork and aromatics for a minute or so to coat them in all those delicious flavors.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in enough water to cover the beans and pork, about 6-8 cups. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 45 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender and breaking apart. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if necessary to maintain the soup’s consistency.
-
Season And Add The Greens
- Once the mung beans are soft, season the soup with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the spinach or Malunggay leaves, stirring them in gently. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted and tender.
-
Serve
- Once everything is cooked through, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Monggo Soup plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall flavor and nutritional profile. Here’s a closer look:
- Mung Beans: These small, green legumes are a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy choice. They also have a mild flavor that absorbs the broth and seasonings beautifully.
- Pork: The fatty bits of pork belly add depth and richness to the soup. The fat melts into the broth, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Fish Sauce: Known as patis in Filipino cuisine, fish sauce is an essential ingredient that imparts a savory, umami flavor to many dishes. A little goes a long way, so be mindful of the amount you use to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Spinach/Malunggay: Both of these leafy greens are nutrient-dense. Malunggay, in particular, is known for its high vitamin content and medicinal properties. It’s considered a superfood in the Philippines!
Expert Tips
To elevate your Monggo Soup game, here are a few tips that will make a big difference:
- Pre-soak the Mung Beans: If you have time, soaking the mung beans for a few hours or overnight can help them cook faster and become even more tender.
- Use Pork Belly for the Best Flavor: Pork belly is a popular choice because of its balance of meat and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken thighs or even tofu can work as great substitutes.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the soup simmer gently over a low flame. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully and the beans cook to the perfect softness.
- Add Chili for Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, throw in a few slices of fresh red chili or dried chili peppers while the soup is simmering.
- Don’t Skip the Fish Sauce: Fish sauce isn’t just a seasoning here-it’s the backbone of the dish’s flavor profile. Don’t be tempted to skip it for a more neutral seasoning.
Recipe Variations
There are so many ways to make Monggo Soup your own, depending on your tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Monggo: Skip the pork entirely and use vegetable broth or just water as the base. Add tofu cubes for protein and experiment with different greens like kale or bok choy.
- Monggo with Shrimp: Replace the pork with shrimp for a lighter, seafood-infused version. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it toward the end of the cooking process to keep it tender.
- Monggo with Chicharrón: If you like a little crunch, top your Monggo Soup with crispy chicharrón (fried pork skin). It adds a delightful contrast in texture to the soup.
Final Words
Monggo Soup is more than just a comforting bowl of soup-it’s a dish with deep roots in Filipino culinary tradition. The combination of mung beans, savory pork, and fragrant aromatics creates a soup that’s both nutritious and full of heart. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or preparing a batch for the week, Monggo Soup is a recipe that never disappoints.
FAQs
What Is Monggo Soup?
Monggo soup, also known as mung bean soup, is a traditional Filipino dish made with mung beans (monggo), typically cooked with vegetables, pork, or shrimp, and flavored with garlic, onions, and fish sauce. It is a nutritious and hearty meal often served with rice.
What Are The Main Ingredients For Monggo Soup?
The main ingredients for monggo soup include mung beans (monggo), water, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a protein source such as pork, shrimp, or fish. Additional vegetables like spinach, ampalaya (bitter melon), or kalabasa (squash) can also be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How Do You Cook Monggo Soup From Scratch?
To cook monggo soup, start by soaking the mung beans in water for about 30 minutes. In a pot, sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes until softened. Add the soaked mung beans, water, and your choice of protein (e.g., pork or shrimp). Let it simmer until the beans are tender, then add vegetables like spinach or kalabasa. Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Can Monggo Soup Be Made Without Meat?
Yes, monggo soup can be made without meat. A vegetarian version can be prepared by omitting the pork or shrimp and using vegetable broth or just water for the base. The dish can still be flavorful with the right seasoning, such as fish sauce, soy sauce, or salt, and can include various vegetables like spinach, sweet potato, and carrots.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Monggo Soup?
Monggo soup typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to cook. This includes the time needed for the mung beans to become tender. If using pressure cooking or a slow cooker, the cooking time can be reduced significantly, with the pressure cooker requiring around 30 minutes.
What Can Be Used As A Substitute For Mung Beans In Monggo Soup?
If you cannot find mung beans, you can substitute them with lentils or split peas. While the flavor will vary slightly, these legumes have a similar texture and will absorb flavors in a similar manner to mung beans.
Can You Freeze Monggo Soup?
Yes, you can freeze monggo soup. Let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.
How Do You Thicken Monggo Soup?
Monggo soup naturally thickens as the mung beans cook and break down. However, if you’d like it thicker, you can mash some of the beans while cooking or blend a portion of the soup and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add ground rice or cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.
What Are Some Common Variations Of Monggo Soup?
Common variations of monggo soup include adding different proteins like shrimp, fish, or even bacon. Some versions also include additional vegetables such as ampalaya (bitter melon), sweet potatoes, or corn. The soup can also be spiced up with chili peppers or flavored with coconut milk for a richer taste.
What Should Be Served With Monggo Soup?
Monggo soup is often served with steamed white rice to balance the flavors. It can also be paired with fried fish, crispy pork belly, or even a side of pickled vegetables for an extra tangy kick. A fresh, tangy side salad can also complement the hearty and savory soup.