Mung Bean Salad

I've never had mung beans before but was aware of their great nutritional value, so gave this recipe a shot. Well, besides being a completely healthy dish that satiates your appetite for several hours, this is an absolutely delicious dish. The wine/vinegar (I actually used both...) plus feta really give the dish a bright taste. I am making it again this weekend for some guests and am doubling the recipe so I have leftovers to take to work. Another great recipe from Rouxbe. Cheers!

I was happy to see the comments reminding me of this salad as it gave me a chance to use fresh mint from the garden. I sprout mung beans for salads regularly and love the crunch they add. This is the first time I have cooked them and they were great. I only used about half of the dressing and served it as a side dish. It got lots of compliments from our guests and it was refreshing to serve something a little different. Also it's a bonus to be able to cook the beans a day ahead.

Before this recipe, I had never used mung beans. They cook really fast, have a mild flavor, and a texture than seems closer to a soft grain rather than a bean. After trying this recipe, I now keep mung beans on hand as a basic pantry staple. In fact, I made this salad for a "last minute" dinner party last weekend. I substituted an herbed goat cheese for the recommended feta, and it still turned out wonderful. It all disappeared. I truly don't remember liking beans in my childhood, but the flavors in this recipe are so pleasant that even the kids at the party were digging in with enthusiasm. I recommend giving this a try. Thanks

Glad you liked it so much and great idea with the goat cheese! Cheers!

My course has not started yet, but I already made this recipe today, this is a very easy and flavorful dish. Thank you! ( I left out the olive oil and did not miss it)

Thanks so much for your comment Cindy! We are so happy that you are learning with Rouxbe - enjoy your course and know what we are here to assist every step of the way! Chef Kirk

As I don't use oil, how much would omitting it from the recipe affect the dish? Any sort of substitutions you could possibly suggest?

Hi Ricky, The oil here is to coat the ingredients with the seasonings and create a nice mouthfeel. One trick I use from time to time, is I whisk a little bit of cornstarch into simmering vegetable stock to just slightly thicken it. This can then be cooled and used in place of the olive oil. I hope this helps! Cheers, Sandy

Thanks a lot Sandy, I'll give it a go.....love mung beans!!!!

I'm not surprised I loved this salad made with the last of the fresh mint from my garden, but I was quite surprised that my veggie-averse husband went back for seconds! My first time cooking mung beans, but not my last. Thank you!

I've never used mung beans before. Is there a difference in flavor between cooked and sprouted? Would sprouted mung beans be an option for this recipe or should they be cooked? Also, I see Ricky V above asked about the oil. I don't use oil either, is it possible to just omit it altogether? Would increasing the vinegar amount help with the mouthfeel that Sandy is referring to or would it overpower the dish in flavor? Thanks in Advance, Holly :)

Hi Holly, there is a difference in flavor between cooked and sprouted (uncooked) mung beans. Sprouted mung beans can be used. You'll need to give 'em a try and see how you like the resulting mouthfeel and flavor. And, yes, the oil can be omitted; this is an individual preference. The mouthfeel that Sandy refers to is one of viscosity that oil or thickened water will lend to this salad. Vinegar does not offer the same mouthfeel unless it is thickened. As to whether or not the vinegar would overpower the dish, it certainly could, but ultimately you'll need to try it and see if it suits your palate. Enjoy! Eric