Mung Bean Drink

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried mung beans (Rinsed; soak for about 1 hour, then drain)
• 7 cups Water (Use 6–8 cups initially; add more during simmering as needed to keep the liquid about 2–3 inches above the beans)
• 2.5 tbsp Rock sugar or honey (Adjust to taste; brown or black sugar may be used instead)
• Pandan leaves (Optional; use for a fragrant aroma)
• Coconut milk (Optional; add a little when serving for creaminess)
• Barley (Optional addition; amount not specified in the source)
• Dried tangerine peel (Optional; included for digestion; amount not specified in the source)
• Milk (Optional; add a dash to each serving, or use a preferred milk alternative)

Steps

1. 1

   Rinse the mung beans thoroughly under cool running water. Place them in a bowl, cover with water, and soak for about 1 hour to soften them.

2. 2

   Drain the soaked mung beans. If using pandan leaves, barley, or dried tangerine peel, prepare them now so they can be added to the pot.

3. 3

   Pour 6–8 cups of water into a large pot. Add the drained mung beans and bring the liquid to a full boil over medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Once the water is bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, partially covered if desired, until the beans are completely soft and beginning to split.

5. 5

   As the drink simmers, check the liquid level periodically. Add more water as needed so the liquid remains about 2–3 inches above the beans; the water will evaporate substantially during cooking.

6. 6

   If using pandan leaves, barley, or dried tangerine peel, simmer them with the mung beans and remove the pandan leaves and tangerine peel before serving if desired.

7. 7

   When the beans are tender and split, stir in the rock sugar, honey, brown sugar, or black sugar. Adjust the sweetness to taste and stir until the sweetener dissolves completely.

8. 8

   Ladle the drink and softened beans into bowls or cups. Stir in a dash of milk, or add coconut milk for a creamier version.

9. 9

   Serve hot, or cool the drink and refrigerate it before serving cold. Eat the softened mung beans along with the liquid.

Notes

The source describes this as a traditional-style drink and suggests consulting a qualified TCM practitioner about whether it suits your individual constitution. The creator says it may be enjoyed hot or cold and mentions consuming it several times per week. The cooked beans should be eaten as part of the drink.

Nutrition per serving

• drink
• beverage
• East Asian
• TCM-inspired
• vegan-optional
• dairy-free-optional
• stovetop
• hot-or-cold