Mongo Guisado (Mung Bean Soup)

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Mung Beans: 200 grams
2. Pork Ribs: 300 grams (optional, for added flavor)
3. Water: 3 liters
4. Salt: 1 teaspoon (according to taste)
5. Green onions: 2 stalks (optional, for seasoning)
6. Ginger: 1 small piece (optional, for flavor enhancement)

Preparation Time:

• Soaking Time: 2 hours (for mung beans)
• Total Preparation Time: 3 hours (including soaking and cooking time)

Cooking Time:

About 2 hours.

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty). Soaking and cooking time may be lengthy, but the actual preparation and cooking process is straightforward.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the mung beans in water for 2 hours.
2. In the meantime, wash and cut the pork ribs into small pieces (if using).
3. Add water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the soaked mung beans and pork ribs (if using).
4. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about an hour or until the beans are soft and fully cooked.
5. Add salt, chopped green onions, and ginger (if using) and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or as a standalone dish.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on the amount of pork ribs used)
• Protein: Mung beans and pork ribs are rich in protein.
• Fiber: Mung beans are a good source of fiber.
• Minerals: Contains minerals like iron, potassium, and zinc.

Dish Characteristics:

• Mung Bean Soup is a traditional Asian dish that is comforting and nourishing.
• The soup has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor from the mung beans, with a rich and savory taste from the pork ribs (if used).
• It is a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a great introduction to Asian cuisine for my family. The soup was flavorful and comforting." - John Doe, New York.
2. "I added some shrimp into the soup for a seafood touch, it was delicious!" - Jane Smith, California.
3. "I love how this dish is both hearty and healthy. It's a great dish to have on a cold winter day." - Michael Johnson, Texas.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to soak the mung beans for at least 2 hours before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become soft.
• If not using pork ribs, you can add chicken or even just cook the mung beans with water for a vegetarian option.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more salt or seasoning as needed.