31 Mar 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 squash
2 cups kale
1.50 cups mung beans
1 onion
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
3 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander leaves
2 tbsp ginger root
2 tbsp canned tomato paste
2.50 cups vegetable broth
2 cups coconut milk
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup coriander leaves
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
This Spiced Mung Bean Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the earthiness of mung beans with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner that's rich in nutrients and easy to prepare, this casserole will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, seed, and cube the squash.
- Chop the kale and onion, mince the garlic and ginger.
2. Cooking Mung Beans:
- In a medium-sized pot, add the rinsed mung beans and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the mung beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Sautéing Aromatics:
- In a large, oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Adding Spices and Vegetables:
- Stir in the curry powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and dried coriander leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cubed squash and tomato paste, stir to coat the squash with the spices.
5. Combining Ingredients:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring well to combine.
- Add the cooked mung beans and chopped kale, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Baking:
- Cover the skillet or transfer the mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish if needed.
- Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Final Touches:
- Remove from the oven and stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Garnish with the fresh chopped coriander leaves.
8. Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, possibly with a side of rice or naan bread.
Tips:
- Soak the mung beans overnight for better texture and quicker cooking time.
- Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less curry powder and turmeric.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Add the lime juice towards the end to maintain its vibrant flavor.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving for an added burst of freshness.
With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, the Spiced Mung Bean Casserole is a delightful addition to your recipe collection. It brings together the best of both nutrition and taste, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy this warm and satisfying dish with family and friends!