| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 268 | 8g | 1g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 10g | 13g | 0.8g |
Let me tell you about my Mung Bean and Spinach Stir Fry — a dish that perfectly fits in my culinary world, capturing the spirit of healthy, hearty, and flavor-packed meals. It’s a delightful fusion of my game meat specializations with a beautiful vegetarian twist. This recipe is an exploration of fresh, natural tastes and echoes flavors which will surely transport you to the invigorating mountain trails of my Colorado. Pair this dish with an equally vibrant trout filet and you’re primed for a dinner that embraces the lively spirit of the Rockies.
A Nutritional Journey
What I find incredibly charming about this recipe is its outstanding nutritional value. The mung beans, for example, are not only incredibly tasty, but are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and abundant in essential amino acids. Can’t get better than that when it comes to energetic food!
It doesn’t stop there. The spinach and red bell peppers brightly color the dish, and likewise, provide a wide array of health benefits. Spinach is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and packed with antioxidants, whereas red peppers are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and folate. These nutrient-dense ingredients come together to create a meal that’s as good for you as it tastes.
Flavor Profile
The amalgamation of Asian flavors sets this dish apart. The soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar envelop the protein-rich mung beans and vegetables in a beautiful aromatic symphony. The minced garlic imparts a punch of flavor, while red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Tying it all together are the nutty sesame seeds — a simple touch that really makes a difference.
If you’ve tasted Green Bean Stir Fry or Thai inspired Peanut Sauce laden Dishes, you’ll find familiar nuances here, and love how this recipe retains its own unique identity. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it’s an excellent side to dishes that can appreciate its incredible layers of taste — perhaps something as simple as a pan-seared salmon.
Inspirations from my Colorado background have been essential in creating this Mung Bean and Spinach Stir Fry, but it’s the delight in doing a flavorful kitchen dance with diverse ingredients that truly makes this dish stand out. It’s a celebration of health and taste, and an invitation to explore the beauty of wholesome food.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of soaked and boiled mung beans
- 6 cups of fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Soak the mung beans in water overnight. After soaking, boil the beans by bringing water to a boil, then lowering the heat and letting the beans simmer until they become soft.
Step Two
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir them constantly so they cook evenly and do not burn. Continue this until the onions become translucent in color.
Step Three
Add the sliced red bell peppers into the pan. Continue to stir and cook until the peppers soften which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step Four
At this point, add the boiled mung beans and fresh spinach into the pan. Stir and mix everything together, and let it cook until the spinach wilts down.
Step Five
Now, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the pan. Stir all the ingredients together so they combine and are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step Six
Cook the mixture for a few more minutes so all the flavors blend together. After cooking, remove the pan from the heat.
Step Seven
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the stir-fry just before serving. This gives it a nice crunch and adds to the overall flavor of the dish. Enjoy your Mung Bean and Spinach Stir Fry!
