Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 cup mung beans (monggo)
4 cups water
1 tbsp cooking oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 ½ cups coconut milk (gata)
1 cup malunggay leaves (or spinach as an alternative)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)

Directions

Step 1: Toast & Cook the Monggo

Rinse mung beans thoroughly under running water.
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the mung beans for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
Transfer to a pot, add water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are soft. Mash lightly with a spoon for a thicker consistency.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In another pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat.
Sauté garlic until golden brown, then add onions and tomatoes. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

Pour the sautéed mixture into the pot with the softened mung beans. Stir well.
Add coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper, and fish sauce (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Greens & Serve

Stir in malunggay leaves and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy this comforting, nutritious dish!

Tips for the Best Ginataang Monggo

Toast the mung beans – This enhances their nutty flavor.
Adjust consistency – Mash some of the beans for a creamier texture or leave them whole for a soupier consistency.
Use fresh coconut milk – If available, fresh gata provides the richest flavor.
Make it heartier – Add sliced shrimp, fried dried fish, or pork bits for extra protein.

What to Pair with Ginataang Monggo

Ginataang Monggo pairs well with Tortang Talong! The smoky, egg-battered eggplant balances the creamy texture of the monggo dish. Want to try it? Check out the Tortang Talong recipe!

Best Ingredient Brands to Use

Coconut Milk: Use high-quality canned coconut milk or fresh gata for the best flavor.
Mung Beans: Choose clean, unpolished mung beans for better texture and taste.
Fish Sauce: A splash of premium fish sauce enhances the umami flavor.

The Story Behind Ginataang Monggo

Ginataang Monggo is a comforting Filipino dish that blends the nutty taste of mung beans with the rich, creamy texture of coconut milk. It is a staple in many households, often enjoyed during rainy days or as a nutritious everyday meal. Some versions add shrimp, dried fish, or even pork for extra depth of flavor.