Learn how to make mung bean sprouts easily at home within three to four days.
Green moong/moong gram/mung bean is a small green bean that belongs to the legume family. Green moong originated in India and is now widely used across the world. They are a very good source of plant-based protein.
These low-carb, high-protein beans are one of the most recommended vegetarian superfoods. This versatile legume is used in both savory and sweet dishes across India. It is also commonly used in salads and stir-fry.
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What is sprouting
Sprouting is the natural process by which seeds or legumes germinate and get shoots. It involves activating the seeds or legume initially in water and then letting it sit in a dark spot allowing the germination process.
The health benefits of green moong increase many folds when sprouted. Sprouted moong beans are rich in digestive enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
I find the best part of making green moong sprouts is the fun involved in watching them grow. I do it with my kids and they are so excited to see how the sprouts grow. It is a fun project involving kids as they learn how seeds grow.
Finding the right spot
Homemade sprouts are definitely fresher and tastier than store-bought ones. Sprouting green gram at home is very easy, although it takes time for the sprouts to grow. It is important to place the green moong in a dark and warm spot for germination.
A cupboard near the oven is a good example. If you cannot find a dark spot that is warm, place the container in which you are sprouting in a brown bag and place it over the refrigerator (or any warm spot).
Best way to sprout
There are two ways to sprout the green moong - either by placing it in a muslin cloth or by placing it directly in a container. I prefer to sprout them by placing the soaked and drained green moong directly in a container.
Remember that you do not need a sprout maker (or any special equipment) to make sprouts. Any regular container will do. Follow my easy steps and you can make healthy green moong sprouts at home within three to four days.
Step-by-step instructions
Wash and soak mung bean in water overnight.
The next day, drain all the water and rinse again.
Day 2 of sprouting. Make sure you rinse the sprouts every 24 hours.
Day 3 of sprouting.
Useful tips
Use filtered water for soaking and rinsing the mung bean. If filtered water is not available, boil regular tap water and cool it completely before using it.
Make sure you rinse the sprouts every 24 hours.
Place the soaked green moong in a dark spot for germination, like a cupboard near the oven. If you cannot find a dark spot that is warm, place the container in a brown bag and place it over the refrigerator (or any warm spot).
Make sure you have cleaned the mung bean and removed any stones in it before soaking.
Some moong skin may come off during the sprouting process but that is okay.
Handle the sprouts gently as they are very delicate and can break easily.
FAQs
If the beans are old, they will not sprout. Use mung beans that are within the expiry date. Also, use organic beans where possible. Untreated beans will give you the best sprouts.
If the beans are exposed to light for a long time during sprouting, the sprouts may turn bitter. Make sure you place the beans in a dark and dry spot. When you rinse the beans, do it quickly and place them back in the dark spot immediately after rinsing.
Bonus
This sprouting recipe is:
- very easy to follow,
- gives you perfect results,
- covers all the useful tips and questions.
Recipe card
Mung Bean Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 cup mung bean
- 3-4 cups filtered water use as much as needed
Instructions
- Take the mung bean in a bowl and clean it making sure there are no stones. Wash them thoroughly 2-3 times.
- Soak them in fresh water overnight (for a minimum of 7-8 hours).
- The next morning, discard all the water in which the mung bean was soaked. Rinse the soaked beans thoroughly.
- Transfer the rinsed mung bean into a clean and dry container.
- Cover the container with a lid and place it in a dark and warm spot.
- Rinse them every 24 hours. Make sure you handle the sprouts gently as they are very delicate and can break easily.
- Place them back in the dark spot immediately after rinsing them. The sprouts may turn bitter if they are exposed to light for a longer period of time.
- Sprouted green moong will be ready in three to four days.
- Rinse them in a colander before using.
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