How To Cook Dried Mung Beans

You can cook dried mung beans by soaking them overnight and then simmering them until they’re soft and creamy.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook dried mung beans without ending up with a mushy or bland pot of beans, you’re in the right place.
 
Dried mung beans are one of the easiest legumes to cook once you know a few simple tricks.
 
They’re tiny, they cook relatively fast compared to other beans, and they soak up flavor beautifully.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook dried mung beans, from soaking to simmering, plus some tasty ways to serve them.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How to Cook Dried Mung Beans (The Simple Way)

Learning how to cook dried mung beans comes down to three main steps: rinse, soak, and simmer.
 
Here’s what that looks like in practice.
 

1. Rinse and Pick Through Them

Start by pouring your dried mung beans into a colander and giving them a good rinse under cold water.
 
While you’re at it, pick out any small stones, shriveled beans, or debris.
 
This step takes just a minute but saves you from biting into something unpleasant later.
 

2. Soak Them Overnight

Soaking is the secret to perfectly cooked dried mung beans.
 
Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least three inches of cold water, since they’ll expand as they soak.
 
Let them sit overnight, or for at least six to eight hours.
 
If you’re short on time, a quick soak works too: boil them for two minutes, then let them sit for an hour.
 
Soaking softens the beans, cuts down cooking time, and makes them easier to digest.
 

3. Simmer Until Tender

Drain and rinse your soaked beans, then add them to a pot with fresh water, about three cups of water for every cup of dried mung beans.
 
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer gently.
 
Cook for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are soft enough to mash with a fork.
 

4. Season at the Right Time

Here’s a tip that makes a big difference when you cook dried mung beans.
 
Hold off on adding salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice until the beans are fully tender.
 
Salt and acid can toughen the skins and slow down the cooking process.
 
Once they’re soft, season freely with salt, garlic, bay leaves, or whatever spices you love.
 

Tips for Cooking Dried Mung Beans Perfectly

Once you know how to cook dried mung beans, a few extra tips will take your pot from good to great.
 

1. Skip the Baking Soda

Some people add baking soda to speed things up, but it can leave a soapy taste and turn your beans mushy.
 
Stick with proper soaking instead.
 

2. Keep the Lid Slightly Cracked

Simmering with the lid partially off helps steam escape and keeps the beans from boiling over.
 

3. Save the Cooking Liquid

The water you cook dried mung beans in is full of flavor and nutrients.
 
Use it as a base for soups, stews, or curries instead of pouring it down the drain.
 

4. Cook Extra and Freeze

Cooked mung beans freeze beautifully.
 
Portion them into bags or containers with a little of their cooking liquid and freeze for up to three months.
 

Delicious Ways to Use Cooked Dried Mung Beans

Now that you know how to cook dried mung beans, here are some tasty ways to enjoy them.
 

1. Mung Bean Soup

Simmer cooked mung beans with onions, garlic, ginger, and vegetable broth for a cozy, comforting soup.
 

2. Curries and Stews

Toss them into coconut curries or hearty stews where they’ll soak up all the spices.
 

3. Salads and Bowls

Chilled cooked mung beans work great in salads with chopped veggies, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
 

4. Mash Them

Mash cooked mung beans with olive oil, garlic, and lemon for a dip similar to hummus.
 

So, How Do You Cook Dried Mung Beans?

You cook dried mung beans by rinsing and soaking them overnight, then simmering them in fresh water until they’re tender and creamy.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a versatile, nutritious ingredient you can use in soups, curries, salads, and more.
 
With a little patience and the right timing, learning how to cook dried mung beans becomes second nature.
 
So grab a bag of dried mung beans, give them a good soak, and get simmering.