I finally cooked Indian food! I’m so excited about my new cooking adventure. It’s been on my to-do list for a while. Although it hasn’t been a long while. Indian cuisine is something I discovered in very recent years. I find Indian food to be full of flavor whether it is spicy or not. I feel like it warms the soul.
I enjoyed Indian Moong Beans from the first bite. This restaurant by me has them almost daily as a side. They serve cafeteria style and have different selections throughout the week. I’ve been there numerous times for lunch and have discussed food and Indian cuisine with them often. They know I have a food blog so I asked them if they had a recipe to share. Sure enough, they did.
The recipe had to be adjusted. It was to make a large restaurant-size batch. The measurements were like “1 strainer full of chopped onions”. There wasn’t any instructions other than to soak and boil the beans. I used green moong beans (also called mung beans) and hoped it was the right one because there are several types. The result is a bit different than how it is in the restaurant. The good news is I’m thrilled with how it tastes. I ate it for lunch for three days straight. The beans are spicy and a flavor fest with warm spices and a bit of heat from the jalapeno.
I’m not the only one who had a new cooking adventure. The Sunday Supper bloggers were challenged by Connie of The Foodie Army Wife to get in the kitchen and try something new. Whether it is a different cuisine, a technique, or whatever. We had the best time and are excited to share our adventures:
New Expeditions (Sides, Starters & Staples)
- Homemade Corn Tortillas from Pescetarian Journal
- Easy Oven Polenta from Shockingly Delicious
- Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas from Chocolate Moosey
- Naan from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Homemade Tofu from Kimchi MOM
- Savory Mushroom & Herb Steel-Cut Oat Risotto from Foxes Love Lemons
- Indian Moong Beans from Magnolia Days
- Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto from Soni’s Food
- Homemade Peanut Butter from Home Cooking Memories
- Homemade Ricotta Cheese from Webicurean
- Portuguese Chorizo Bread from Family Foodie
- Grilled Asian Snap Peas and Peppers from NeighborFood
Grand Quests (Main Dishes)
- Traditional Pork Tamales from Gourmet Drizzles
- Braised Lamb Brisket with Lemon Oregano Yogurt Sauce from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Rice Burger from The Urban Mrs.
- Pan-fried Scallops with Garlic Chili Linguine from Food Lust People Love
- Miso-Glazed Salmon from The Foodie Patootie
- Penne with Mustard and Chives from My Other City By The Bay
- Arepas Rellenas (Stuffed Arepas) from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Spanish Baked Scallops from Momma’s Meals
- Black Beans and Cheese Empanadas from Basic N Delicious
- Pork Dim Sum from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Venison Steak Gyros from Curious Cuisiniere
- Baked Tilapia with Parmesan Basil Sauce from Growing Up Gabel
- Vegetarian Hortobagyi Pancakes from Happy Baking Days
- Caribou & Andouille Chili from The Foodie Army Wife
Escapades (Sweet Treats & Spirited Companions)
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Zebra Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Multilayer Bars from What Smells So Good?
- Rut-Busting Wines For New Cooking Adventures from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
- Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows from Vintage Kitchen
- Strawberry Raspberry Fruit Leather from Juanita’s Cocina
- Making Macarons – FAIL! from girlichef
- Macaroons from Noshing With The Nolands
- Fresh Strawberry Frozen Yogurt from The Messy Baker
- Bircher Muesli from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Hello Kitty Rice Krispies from The Ninja Baker
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from In The Kitchen With KP
- Dorie Greenspan’s Orange Almond Tart from Hip Foodie Mom
- Ombre Mini Cakes from Daily Dish Recipes
- Chocolate Dipped Madeleines from Big Bear’s Wife
If we can do this, you can too! What has been on your cooking to-do list? I’ve got Indian Moong Beans checked off my list. Now I can say I’ve done it along with pork dumplings and spanakopita. It’s time to take a chance and go for an adventure in the kitchen.
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement
I’m excited about the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper! It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference
Indian Moong Beans
Ingredients
- 14 ounces dried green moong/mung beans
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 to 1 1/2 jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 to 1 cup water
- Additional salt to taste
Instructions
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Place the beans in a large pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Soak beans overnight.
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Drain and rinse beans. Place the beans back in the pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Add salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Do not let get to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer loosely covered until beans are tender, about 45 to 60 minutes. Drain beans.
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Place the pot over medium heat and add the oil. Add the onion and jalapeno and cook until soft and the onion is translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Add the beans, tomato sauce, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and 1/2 cup water to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cover loosely. Cook 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional water if too thick. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Cooking time does not reflect overnight soaking time.
Recipe adapted from one given to me by the Spice Box Express restaurant.
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Stacy says
Very tasty, Renee! I don’t think you can go wrong with any recipe that includes fresh ginger, cumin and jalapeños. I love that the restaurant gave you their recipe as is, in quantities to feed the crowds. So you know it is the real deal!
Renee says
I totally agree on the fresh ginger, cumin, and jalapenos. Such great flavors.
The Ninja Baker says
Great recipe, Renee. My sister is a huge Indian food fan and her birthday is coming up. Thank you for providing a wonderful surprise gift =)
Renee says
You are very welcome and happy birthday to your sister.
Katy says
I love Indian food too, but always end up making the same couple of dishes, this will be a great one to try out, thank you!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I always see brown mung beans but had no clue what to do with them. I really like that this is your favorite restaurant´s recipe Renee! I have to venture into indian food too, so spicy and wonderful.
Renee says
I’ll have to find brown mung beans and “play” with them. The greens ones are great and I hope you can find them too.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I love that you conquered Indian cuisine. These beans look amazing. I know this may sound odd, but I really adore beans of any kind. It’s one of my fav side dishes. I could make a meal out of these.
Renee says
You and me both. I haven’t met a bean I don’t like. I want to try more now.
Jennifer B says
Go you! I’ve never made Indian food either, but now I feel so much better about trying!
Conni @FoodieArmyWife says
What a cool recipe! I’ve never had mung/moong beans. I may have to give these a try!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I have never made Indian food at home, I don’t know why, it’s so good and so full of flavor. I am so loving your recipe!!
Heather @girlichef says
I actually have some mung beans that I picked up from Whole Foods just sitting in my pantry staring at me. I’ve never made…or even eaten…them before. This sounds like a great place to start. Thanks Renee 🙂
Renee says
Whole Foods has mung beans? Yippee! Now I know I can get them there and at Super H Mart.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Indian food is on my bucket list too! I’ve never had mung beans, and after seeing this, I seriously don’t know why not!
Renee says
Jen, you would love them. I’m sure of it.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Never had ’em, now I want ’em! This is new to me, too. Great choice for #SundaySupper!
Family Foodie says
I love when I am introduced to a new dish through #SundaySupper…. can’t wait to try this beauty.
Soni says
Oooh you’ve made it exactly the way I make it too 🙂 Love the flavors and I bet it tasted delicious 🙂
Renee says
You have no idea how happy that makes me feel. I was worried about getting it terribly wrong. You made my day!
Tara says
Now those sure look good. Nicely done!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Oh I would love these. I’ve never worked with mung beans, but you’ve motivated me with this recipe to go get some. I’m always on the lookout for new legumes to try. And I too am just starting to try Indian recipes, so good for you for taking the leap!
Renee says
Now that I have made this recipe with moong/mung beans I want to make them again with different recipes.
Anne @ Webicurean says
I need to try this right away! We love Indian food, so I’m always looking for new recipes to make!
Beate says
I love Indian food and our choices here are not as plentiful as they used to be in Chicago. This sounds like the perfect dish! Thank you so much for sharing, Renee.
Alaiyo Kiasi says
It’s so great that you’ve given Indian food a try, and you right: it warms the soul. It’s my husband’s favorite cuisine and although I don’t make it every day, I’ve accumulated many of the spices and make something once a month. You’re so lucky to live near and Indian restaurant too! It would be our #1 takeout place! Wonderful post.
Renee says
Thanks so much Alaiyo. I hope you make them for your husband since it is his favorite.
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP) says
I’m not a huge Indian food fan, but I will happily bring over some cinnamon rolls and try yours. 🙂
Renee says
I’ll gladly swap beans for your cinnamon rolls. Wow they looked good.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee! Wow! I SO admire that you tackled a new cuisine today! wow, you are so awesome! and these moong beans look great! I totally agree about Indian food, it’s definitely packed of flavor and I love all the spices!
Diana @GourmetDrizzles says
This is great! I’ve not yet tacked Indian cuisine, and I love how this has ingredients that are already in my pantry, etc. Oh, and what a great restaurant, not typically a buffet type person, but in trying new cuisines, it is so fun to be able to sample a bunch of dishes!
Renee says
I normally don’t care for buffets or cafeteria style and this place is a true exception. They will give you a sample to taste first so you know what you are getting.
Martin D. Redmond says
Mmmm…love Indian Food, and this recipe looks fantastic.! I’ve enjoyed Moong beans before, but look forward to trying them this way!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
I am a big fan of mung beans and the Indian cuisine. I find daal so comforting, satiating, and healthy! Love your adventure into this cuisine!
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
This looks so tasty. How are the leftovers? If they’re good, I can see making a big batch on the weekend and eating it throughout the week for lunches.
Liz says
How sweet of the restaurant to share their recipe! I love when I make a recipe just for me and eat it for lunch all week. Your spicy beans sound wonderful, Renee.
Renee says
Thanks Liz. And I think they got better each day. All those spices came together more as each day passed.
Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite says
Congrats on your first attempt at Indian food. And what a perfect recipe to start off with.
Hezzi-D says
These beans sound great with all the spices! I’m impressed you were able to adapt the recipe from a restaurant sized portion!
Renee says
Adapting the recipe for a home version from restaurant sized was a challenge all in itself. I had big fun with it and now I know I could do it again.
Camille says
Yea! I love cooking Indian food! I’ve never tried moong beans, though. They look delicious.
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says
that’s so awesome that they gave you the recipe! I’ve always wanted to try to cook Indian food. I’ll have to try this one out!
Renee says
I was so pleasantly surprised when the gave me the recipe. Excited too. I’m so glad they did.
Carla says
I love Indian food but rarely eat it because nobody else likes it, so I have nobody to go out with. Now I can make these beans at home!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) says
Mmm, love this idea – I have moong dal at home but no clue what to do with it!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
I’ve never tried moong beans, but these look quite tasty!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
Good for you! I love bean dishes and am always looking for new ideas.
Sunithi says
Love Moong Beans and yours look like they came straight from an Indian restaurant ! Yummy !!! Good Job !!!
Renee says
Thanks Sue and your compliment means a lot to me.
Doyla says
These are the spices my local Indian check-out lady told me she uses for Moong Beans: cumin seeds, onion, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, salt, coriander powder and cumin powder. I’ll try your recipe as well as trying it her way. I’ve had many restaurants give me their recipes, so nice!
Renee says
Thanks Doyla