How to make Fresh Moong Bean Sprouts
Just the sight of fresh moong bean sprouts makes me happy. So much green goodness! When you learn how to make them at home, you can use them endlessly to create a variety of yummy dishes.
Makes: 1 big bowl
INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole green moong beans
Water
EQUIPMENT
Colander/sieve
Sprout maker or muslin cloth or a big handkerchief
Method
Clean the moong beans, remove any stones if they are there. Wash the moong beans in clean running water 3-4 times in a bowl.
Soak the moong beans overnight or for 8-10 hours in a deep bowl, covering them with water up to 3 inches.
You will see the beans will swell up to 3 times their size after soaking. Rinse the soaked and swelled beans with fresh water in a sieve.
Spread in a plate, check for any unsoaked pieces and remove those.
Drain all the excess water and put the moong beans in a sprout maker if you have one. (A sprout maker is a plastic box with air ventilation and has a container of water underneath to give moisture to the beans).
Alternatively, if you do not have a sprout maker, you may use a muslin cloth or a handkerchief. Wash the muslin cloth in water and squeeze out the excess water and tie the moong beans in it. Leave the tied muslin cloth in a deep bowl uncovered for 10-12 hours untouched. If you see the cloth drying up too much, you can sprinkle a few drops of water on it. (Do not put too much water otherwise it will rot.)
You will see moong sprouts coming after 10-12 hours. (The length and time will depend on the weather - the warmer the earlier, as well as the quality of the moong beans - the thicker the moong bean, the longer the sprout will be)
Once the sprouts come out, take out from the sprout maker or muslin cloth and steam them for 3-5 minutes before using in salads, stir fry and many more dishes! They can be stored in a refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Helpful Tips
In warm weather climates, the muslin cloth method works best.
Always use good quality of moong beans to ensure good sprouting.
Always steam the sprouts for 3-5 minutes before using in dishes for better digestion.
Use the sprouted moong beans within 1-2 days otherwise they spoil quickly. Also why it is so great to make them at home as you can be sure they are fresh :)