Experience the comforting warmth of *Philippines Monggo Beans and Pechay*, a hearty and nutritious Filipino dish that brings together tender mung beans, savory aromatics, and vibrant bok choy (pechay). This soul-soothing recipe features a medley of softened mung beans simmered in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, onion, and tomato. Optional pork belly or shrimp adds a delightful richness, while fish sauce and ground black pepper provide a signature depth of flavor. Perfectly balanced with the crisp freshness of bok choy, this one-pot wonder is both nourishing and packed with authentic Filipino taste. Easy to prepare and best served with steamed rice, it’s a nutritious comfort food perfect for any meal.
Rinse the mung beans thoroughly under running water. Soak them in clean water for 30 minutes to soften (optional for faster cooking).
In a medium pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the mung beans and cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until soft and the skins begin to split. Drain and set aside.
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the chopped onion and diced tomato. Cook until the onion is softened and the tomato has broken down, about 3-5 minutes.
If using pork belly or shrimp, add them to the pan. Cook until the meat is lightly browned or the shrimp turns pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cooked mung beans and mix well with the sautéed aromatics and meat.
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add fish sauce, ground black pepper, and salt to taste.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together and the broth thickens slightly.
Add the chopped pechay (bok choy) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted but still vibrant.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional fish sauce, salt, or pepper.
Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!
Calories |
587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.8 g | 59% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 1709 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.0 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 22.8 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 296 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1312 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.