How to Make Ginisang Munggo (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Ginisang Munggo, also known as Sauteed Mung Beans, is a beloved Filipino dish that graces many households across the Philippines, particularly on Fridays or during Lent. This hearty and wholesome meal features mung beans simmered until soft, then sautéed with aromatics, leafy greens, and a modest amount of pork or shrimp for depth of flavor. Its origins can be traced to rural communities where mung beans are plentiful and affordable, making it a staple comfort food for generations. The dish offers a wonderful blend of savory, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, with the beans providing a creamy texture that absorbs the flavors of garlic, onions, and the umami brought by fish sauce or shrimp. Traditionally served with steamed rice, Ginisang Munggo is both filling and nourishing, perfect for lunch and ideal for those seeking a satisfying yet light meal. Filipino families enjoy this dish not only for its taste but also for its adaptability, as it can easily be made healthier or modified for various dietary needs. For international audiences looking to explore Filipino cuisine, Ginisang Munggo showcases the resourcefulness and warmth of Philippine cooking, inviting you to experience comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mung beans (monggo)
- 3 cups Water (for boiling mung beans)
- 50g Lean pork (cut into small cubes)
- 40g Shrimp (peeled and deveined, optional but traditional)
- 1 cup Spinach or Malunggay leaves (malunggay preferred if available)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (chopped)
- 1 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce (patis)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Rinse mung beans thoroughly and place them in a pot with 3 cups of ...
Rinse mung beans thoroughly and place them in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until beans are soft and skins split (about 15-20 minutes). Skim foam as needed.
Step 2 · In a separate pan
In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add onions and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
Step 3 · Add lean pork cubes and cook until lightly browned
Add lean pork cubes and cook until lightly browned. If using shrimp, add at this stage and cook until just pink.
Step 4 · Pour the cooked mung beans (along with their liquid) into the pan
Pour the cooked mung beans (along with their liquid) into the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5 · Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper
Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper. Allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes so flavors meld.
Step 6 · Stir in spinach or malunggay leaves and cook until just wilted
Stir in spinach or malunggay leaves and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat immediately to preserve nutrients.
Step 7 · Serve hot in bowls with steamed rice on the side
Serve hot in bowls with steamed rice on the side.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Ginisang Munggo recipe is a healthy choice due to its low calorie and fat content, high protein, and fiber. It supports weight management and muscle growth while keeping you satiated. The use of natural, minimally processed ingredients delivers a nutrient-dense meal free from added sugars and excessive oils, making it ideal for those tracking their nutrition or seeking heart-healthy Filipino recipes.
A note on tradition
Ginisang Munggo is a quintessential Filipino comfort food, especially popular in rural areas and traditionally prepared on Fridays as a meatless alternative. Its simplicity and versatility make it a household favorite. The dish highlights the Philippines’ agricultural heritage, with mung beans and malunggay commonly grown in backyards. It is often enjoyed during Lent, serving as a symbol of resourcefulness and community, especially when shared among family members.