Mongo Guisado (Mung Bean Soup) Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings and includes the following ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 8 ounces raw mung beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 ounces peeled and deveined prawns
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
• 8 ounces fresh spinach leaves

Directions

1. In a pot, bring the water and mung beans to a boil. Cook for about 40 minutes, or until the beans become soft. Once ready, mash the beans and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the pork cubes to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Carefully add the prawns and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently to avoid overcooking.
5. Incorporate the diced tomato into the pot and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Lower the heat, then add the chicken broth to the mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the mashed mung beans to the pot and stir everything well. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the soup doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot by stirring frequently. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Finally, stir in the spinach leaves and cook for another 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and softens.
9. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein	Fiber	Sodium	Cholesterol	Iron	Potassium
202	7g	22g	15g	8g	896mg	41mg	3mg	590mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin

Mongo Guisado, also known as Mung Bean Soup, is a traditional Filipino dish that has been cherished for generations. It is a hearty and nutritious soup that combines mung beans with various meats like pork and shrimp, often flavored with vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes. The dishs roots can be traced back to the agricultural history of the Philippines, where mung beans were a staple crop due to their adaptability to the local climate. Mung beans have long been a source of protein, especially in rural areas, and this dish is a reflection of Filipino ingenuity in using locally available ingredients to create wholesome meals.

Regional Variations

Mongo Guisado is a versatile dish that varies across regions in the Philippines. In the northern regions, particularly in the Ilocos area, the soup might include a greater emphasis on bitter melon (ampalaya), which adds a unique flavor contrast to the dish. In contrast, the Visayan regions tend to use more shrimp, giving the soup a seafood-centric taste. Each regions version often incorporates different vegetables and protein choices, reflecting local agricultural and culinary preferences. Some versions may even add fried pork skin (chicharrn) for added crunch, or use different greens like moringa leaves instead of spinach.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Mongo Guisado stands out among other Filipino soups, such as Sinigang or Tinola, due to its use of mung beans as the main base. While Sinigang is known for its tangy broth made with tamarind, and Tinola features a ginger-based broth with chicken, Mongo Guisado is heartier and more earthy. The mung beans provide a creamy texture once mashed, distinguishing this soup from others. Additionally, Mongo Guisado can be served as a thicker stew-like dish, whereas others may be served more as brothy soups. Unlike some soups that focus on a specific meat (like chicken in Tinola or pork in Sinigang), Mongo Guisado typically combines both pork and seafood, making it a more balanced and rich dish.

Where It Is Usually Served

Mongo Guisado is commonly served in Filipino households, especially during the colder months, as it provides warmth and nourishment. It is typically enjoyed as a main dish, often paired with steamed rice to create a fulfilling meal. The soup is also a popular choice for family gatherings and festive occasions. In some regions, it is served as a street food dish, where vendors prepare it in large pots for locals to enjoy as a quick, hearty lunch or dinner. Its popularity extends beyond the Philippines, as many Filipino communities abroad also embrace it as a comfort food that brings a sense of home.

Interesting Facts

• Mung beans, the key ingredient in Mongo Guisado, are known for their high protein content, making this dish a healthy alternative to meat-heavy soups.
• The dish is often considered a "budget-friendly" meal in the Philippines due to the affordability and availability of mung beans and vegetables.
• Some versions of Mongo Guisado include additional flavorings such as fish sauce or patis, giving the soup a savory umami taste that enhances its depth of flavor.
• Mung beans have been cultivated for thousands of years in Asia and are often used in various dishes across the continent, from soups to desserts.
• Many variations of Mongo Guisado exist, with some including ingredients like tofu for a vegetarian version or adding local spices to adjust the flavor profile to regional preferences.

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