mung bean soup

How to Make Green Bean Soup: A Comprehensive Guide

Green bean soup, a refreshing and nutritious dessert, is beloved across Asia for its simplicity and health benefits. Here’s a detailed guide to making it, with variations to suit different tastes.

Basic Version:

Start by rinsing 200g of green beans (mung beans) until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 1 hour to soften. Drain and transfer the beans to a pot with 1.5L of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the soup thickens. Add rock sugar or brown sugar to taste, stir until dissolved, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve hot or chilled.

Savory Twist:

For a savory version, omit sugar. Instead, add 2 dried tangerine peels (soaked and pith removed) while simmering. Toward the end, stir in a pinch of salt and a dash of sesame oil for depth. This pairs well with meals.

Additional Tips:

- For faster cooking, use a pressure cooker (20 minutes after pressure builds).

- Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time.

- Add dried lotus seeds or barley for extra texture and nutrition.

Whether enjoyed as a sweet dessert or a savory soup, green bean soup is a versatile and comforting treat that’s easy to customize. Enjoy its wholesome goodness any time of year!