Healthy Breakfast

Mung Bean Porridge

Mung bean porridge, also known as Green Gram porridge, is a traditional Indian dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.

Mung bean porridge, also known as Green Gram porridge, is a traditional Indian dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. This recipe combines the goodness of green gram with the sweetness of jaggery and the freshness of pomegranate seeds.

It's a perfect dish for any time of the day, and it's easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. In this post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delightful mung bean porridge, and we're sure you'll love it as much as we do. Let's get started!

What Is Mung Bean Porridge?

Mung bean porridge, also known as "Pasi Payaru" in India, is a nutritious and delicious dish made with green gram, milk, coconut, and a blend of Indian spices. This traditional recipe combines succulent green gram with the creamy texture of milk, the rich flavor of coconut, and the aromatic essence of cardamom.
The addition of grated carrots and pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing and colorful twist to the dish. The unique seasoning of jaggery or sweetener brings out the perfect balance of flavors, making it a delightful treat for all.
Try this wholesome and flavorful mung bean porridge for a filling and satisfying meal that is sure to tantalize your taste buds with every spoonful.

Why You'll Love Mung Bean Porridge?

Deliciously Creamy Texture: Mung bean porridge has a smooth and creamy texture, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for any time of the day.
Packed with Nutrients: Green gram is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It can help in boosting your immune system and promoting overall health.
Low in Calories and Fat: This porridge is a great option for those looking to manage their weight and maintain a healthy diet, as it is low in calories and fat.
Easy to Digest: The gentle and easily digestible nature of mung beans makes this porridge a great choice for those with digestive issues or anyone looking for a light meal.
Versatile and Customizable: You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding your choice of sweeteners, fruits, or nuts, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different variations.
Offers Sustained Energy: Mung bean porridge provides a slow release of energy, making it a great option for a filling and sustaining breakfast or snack. Its nutritional content helps in keeping the body fueled and energized throughout the day.

Ingredients for Mung Bean Porridge

Green Gram (Pasi Payaru): Green gram is the main ingredient in this recipe, adding a nutty and earthy flavor to the porridge.
Water: Water is used to cook the green gram until tender, ensuring the porridge has the right consistency.
Low Fat Milk: Boiled milk adds a creamy and rich texture to the porridge, enhancing its overall taste.
Chopped Coconut: The ground coconut mixture adds a hint of sweetness and a subtle tropical flavor to the porridge.
Green Cardamoms: Cardamoms are ground along with the coconut to bring a warm and aromatic essence to the porridge.
Grated Carrots: Carrots add a mild sweetness and a pop of color to the porridge, making it visually appealing and nutritious.

How To Make Mung Bean Porridge?

Mung bean porridge, also known as Green Gram Porridge, is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. Here are the steps to create this comforting porridge:

First, wash the green gram well to remove any impurities.
In a pressure cooker, add the washed green gram and 3 cups of water. Close the lid and cook until you hear the first whistle.
After the first whistle, turn the heat to low and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that the green gram is fully cooked and soft.
Once done, switch off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool naturally.
While the green gram is cooking, boil the milk in a separate saucepan and set it aside.
In a mixer jar, grind pieces of coconut and green cardamoms into a coarse mixture. This will add a delightful flavor and texture to the porridge.
Grate the carrots and set them aside for later use.
After the pressure is released, open the cooker lid and add salt to the cooked green gram. Mix it well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Next, add the boiled milk, grated carrots, and the ground coconut mixture to the cooked green gram. Mix everything well and cook for an additional minute over low heat.
Once the porridge is cooked, switch off the heat and pour it into serving bowls.
Finally, add jaggery or sweetener according to your taste preferences and mix well. Allow the porridge to cool for a few minutes before serving.
When serving, add pomegranate pearls for a burst of freshness and flavor.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and wholesome mung bean porridge that is packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy this comforting dish for a nourishing start to your day or as a satisfying snack.

Now, let's dive into the details of each step to ensure you get the best flavor and texture in your mung bean porridge.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a savory side: Mung bean porridge goes well with savory sides like samosas, pakoras, or even a simple curry for a complete meal experience.
Accompany with a refreshing salad: Balance the flavors of the porridge with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy coleslaw.
Serve with crispy bread or roti: Enjoy the porridge with a side of crispy naan, roti, or any other bread of your choice for a satisfying meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh cilantro or mint on top of the porridge for an added burst of flavor.
Include a side of pickles or chutney: Add some tanginess to the meal with a side of pickles or chutney, such as mango pickle or mint chutney.
Pair with a refreshing beverage: Complete the meal with a refreshing beverage like buttermilk, lassi, or a fruity smoothie to complement the flavors of the porridge.

Tips for Making Mung Bean Porridge

Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe for mung bean porridge is quick and easy to prepare, taking just a few simple steps to have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.
Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing with pomegranate pearls not only adds a pop of color but also adds a nice texture and burst of flavor to the porridge, making it visually appealing and delightful to eat.
Use of Pressure Cooker: Utilizing a pressure cooker for cooking the green gram helps to quickly and efficiently cook the beans, saving time and ensuring that they are perfectly softened.
Coconut and Cardamom Grinding: Grinding the coconut and cardamom coarsely adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the porridge, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Balancing Sweetness with Jaggery: Adjusting the amount of jaggery or sweetener used allows you to customize the sweetness level to your taste, making the porridge suitable for all preferences.
Allowing to Cool: Allowing the porridge to cool for some time after preparation helps to meld the flavors together and allows it to reach the perfect eating temperature. This ensures a delightful dining experience.

Variations for Mung Bean Porridge

Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped almonds, cashews, or pistachios to the porridge for a crunchy and nutty flavor.
Fruity Fusion: Enhance the porridge with some chopped fruits like bananas, apples, or mangoes to add a natural sweetness and fruity taste.
Spicy Surprise: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of vanilla extract to infuse the porridge with warm and spicy flavors.
Creamy Delight: Instead of low fat milk, try using coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy and dairy-free version of the porridge.
Savory Spin: Experiment with savory additions like a dash of cumin powder, black pepper, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese for a savory take on the traditional sweet porridge.
Protein Power: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt to make the porridge a satisfying and filling meal.

How to Store Mung Bean Porridge

Storing Cooked Porridge: After preparing the mung bean porridge, allow it to cool at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best freshness.
Storing Key Ingredients: Keep the green gram and other key ingredients such as coconut, cardamoms, carrots, and pomegranate seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Avoiding Moisture: Moisture can affect the texture and taste of the porridge. Make sure to store it in a dry environment and use airtight containers to prevent moisture from getting in.
Freezing Leftover Porridge: If you have a large batch of leftover porridge, consider freezing it for later consumption. Place the porridge in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a saucepan over low heat.
Properly Sealing Airtight Containers: When storing the porridge and key ingredients, ensure that the containers are properly sealed to prevent any air from getting in. This will help maintain the freshness and quality of the porridge and ingredients.
Checking Expiration Dates: Always check the expiration dates of the milk and jaggery used in the recipe. Make sure to use them before they expire to maintain the quality and taste of the mung bean porridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I adjust the sweetness of the mung bean porridge?

You can easily adjust the sweetness of the mung bean porridge by adding more or less jaggery according to your taste preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.

Can I use alternative sweeteners for the mung bean porridge?

Yes, you can substitute jaggery with other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or sugar. Keep in mind that each sweetener will slightly alter the flavor of the porridge, so adjust accordingly.

Is it necessary to add coconut to the mung bean porridge?

The coconut adds a unique flavor and texture to the porridge, but if you are not a fan of coconut, you can omit it from the recipe. The porridge will still be delicious without it.

Can I use whole milk instead of low-fat milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk if you prefer a richer and creamier texture in your mung bean porridge. Adjust the amount of milk according to your preference for the consistency of the porridge.

How can I make the mung bean porridge vegan-friendly?

To make the mung bean porridge vegan, simply substitute the low-fat milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice. Ensure that the sweetener used is also vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare the mung bean porridge in advance and store it?

Yes, you can prepare the mung bean porridge in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra milk to adjust the consistency.

Recipe Card

Mung Bean Porridge

Serves: 3
Cook Time: 00:15
Total Time: 00:15

Ingredients

250 grams Green Gram/ Pasi Payaru
3 cups of water
less than 1/2 tsp salt or as needed
500 ml low fat milk
1/3rd cup chopped coconut
3 to 4 green cardamoms
2 medium sized carrots, grated (wash, peel and then grate)
Jaggery as per your taste
1 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

Wash green gram well.
In a pressure cooker, add washed green gram and 3 cups of water, close the lid and cook until you hear the first whistle.
After the first whistle comes, turn the heat to low and cook for another 10mins.
Switch off the heat and let it cool naturally.
Meanwhile, boil milk in a saucepan and keep it aside.
Then place coconut pieces and the cardamoms in a mixie jar and grind it coarse.
Finally, grate the carrots and keep it aside.
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker lid, add salt and mix well.
Then add boiled milk, grated carrot and ground coconut mixture, mix well and cook for a minute over low heat.
Switch off the heat, pour into the serving bowls.
Finally, add jaggery or sweetener as per your taste and mix well and let it cool for some time.
While serving, add pomegranate pearls. Enjoy!

By: Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot
https://theindianclaypot.com/

Step-by-step Instructions:

Wash Green gram well. In a pressure cooker, add washed Green gram and 3 cups of water,

close the lid and cook until you hear the first whistle. After the first whistle comes, turn the heat to low and cook for another 10mins.Switch off the heat and let it cool naturally.