Name: The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 1 large tomato, diced; 4-5 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 6 oz meat of your choice (beef, chicken, or shrimp); 1 cup dried mung beans; 1 cube chicken bouillon (10-12 grams); 6 cups water; 1 bunch spinach leaves; 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 35 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious dish that’s both hearty and bursting with classic Filipino flavors, look no further than The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe. This humble mung bean stew has been a beloved staple in Filipino households for generations, delivering that perfect balance of earthiness from the beans, savory goodness from garlic and meat, and a vibrant touch of fresh greens. Once you get a taste of how simple yet soulful this stew can be, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals on any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a large pile of small green mung beans. The mung beans are smooth, round, and vary slightly in shades of green and light brown, tightly packed inside the bowl. The bowl's inner surface is shiny and white, reflecting some light, and the background has a white marbled texture. The image focuses on the beans with a slight shallow depth of field, showing clear texture and details on the mung beans' surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe, the ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in building a stew that is rich, filling, and well-rounded.

Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Large tomato (1, diced): Brings acidity and brightens up the stew.
Garlic (4-5 cloves, crushed): Infuses a fragrant, savory base essential in Filipino cooking.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté aromatics evenly and adds a subtle richness.
Meat of your choice (6 oz): Whether beef, chicken, or shrimp, it provides protein and heartiness.
Dried mung beans (1 cup): The star ingredient that delivers a nutty, creamy texture once cooked.
Chicken bouillon cube (1, about 10-12 grams): Amplifies the stew’s savory flavor without overpowering.
Water (6 cups): The cooking liquid that softens the beans and melds the flavors.
Spinach leaves (1 bunch): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, earthy note.
Fish sauce (1-2 tablespoons, optional): A salty umami boost that elevates the overall taste.

How to Make The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Aromatics

Start by heating vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, crushed garlic, and diced tomato until they soften and release their fragrant aromas. This flavorful base is what sets the tone for the entire stew, creating a warm, inviting backdrop for the mung beans and meat.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

Add your choice of meat—be it tender beef, juicy chicken, or succulent shrimp—to the pot. Cook until lightly browned, allowing the meat to soak up the aromatics’ sweetness and start sealing in their juices, which will infuse the stew with rich depth.

Step 3: Adding the Mung Beans and Broth

Pour in the dried mung beans along with the chicken bouillon cube and water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the mung beans cook slowly for about 45 minutes until they become soft and begin breaking down, giving the stew that creamy, hearty consistency you want.

Step 4: Incorporating the Spinach and Seasoning

Once the mung beans are tender, stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they wilt beautifully in the hot broth. Season the stew with fish sauce to taste—this little touch brings out the authentic salty umami flavor characteristic of Filipino cuisine, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.

How to Serve The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface with two layers of food. The bottom layer is a bed of soft, white rice, with a slightly sticky texture. On top, there is a mix of cooked green lentils, wilted dark green spinach leaves, and small pieces of light brown cooked meat scattered throughout. There are also bits of orange-red vegetables mixed in, adding a hint of color. The lentils and spinach have a moist, slightly oily look, while the meat pieces are tender and glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To keep things simple yet delightful, a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a drizzle of crispy garlic oil on top adds texture and a pop of color, making every spoonful inviting and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This stew shines when paired with steamed white rice, which balances its rich, savory flavors perfectly. You can also serve it alongside fried fish or a fresh, tangy mango salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try ladling the stew over toasted bread for a rustic, comforting bowl or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for serving at gatherings. The creamy texture and rich flavor of The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe makes it versatile and fun to present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover munggo stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making reheated portions just as delicious as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve its taste and texture.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much, and freshen up the spinach if needed to bring that vibrant green pop back.

FAQs

Can I use canned mung beans instead of dried ones?

Canned mung beans can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as dried ones that you soak and cook yourself. Dried mung beans yield a creamier consistency that’s key to this stew.

Is fish sauce essential for the recipe?

Fish sauce adds that authentic salty tang and umami punch, but it’s totally optional. You can omit it or substitute with soy sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and chicken bouillon cube, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also enhance flavor with mushrooms or smoked tofu for added texture and umami.

How long does it take to cook the mung beans?

Typically, dried mung beans take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to become tender. You can soak them beforehand to reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary.

What meats work best with this stew?

Traditional versions often use pork or shrimp, but beef and chicken are wonderful too. Choose cuts that become tender with simmering, like beef stew meat or chicken thighs, for the best results.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s straightforward to prepare yet deeply satisfying and packed with wholesome goodness, The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe is absolutely worth making. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that you can customize with your favorite proteins and enjoy any day. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your new favorites!

The Easiest Monggo Recipe Ever (Filipino Mung Bean Stew) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need