“So, people, dig a little deeper today. Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Do something nice for a stranger. Cook something that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and makes you feel happy and comfortable, and just try to be in the moment. Take care of each other. Never forget: we’re all about longer tables, people!!” – José Andrés

Unlike soups that take hours to simmer, and when I’m not exactly in the mood to coddle a stockpot on a busy weeknight night, This Mung bean soup is a one-pot wonder, made in the instant pot, using no oil, it’s easy, delicious, nutritious, and Filled with plant protein and gut-healthy fiber.

this vegan, gluten-free soup is built on pantry staples — whole green mung beans, onion, garlic, and a smattering of spices! and comes together in under 20 minutes.  Feel free to add cauliflower florets, squash, carrots, and petite peas, if you like.

I used the Instant pot 6 quart duo to make this.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green mung beans
• 1 MEDIUM-SIZED onion -sliced thinly or finely diced  I use red onions
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt or to taste
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger crushed
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste or less
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted crushed cumin seeds powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 tomato (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the mung beans, soak if possible for 30 minutes, and add to the instant pot.
   
2. Add the 3 cups of water, salt, garlic and ginger, crushed black pepper, cumin powder, turmeric, onion (and tomato if using)
   
3. Close the instant pot, with THE lid in a sealing position and cook ON high pressure for 7 minutes or on the Lentil/Stew setting for 20 minutes.
   
4. Manual pressure release after 12 to 14 minutes. Open the lid, gently mash the lentils using a wooden spoon.
   
5. Add A little more water for the right soupy consistency if needed, a squeeze of lemon juice, more black pepper powder if you like, and add chopped cilantro stir and simmer for about a minute.
   
   Optional toppings: sliced green onions, fried onions, parsley or oyster crackers

Watch me make it here: