Lentils

Green Moong Dal Recipe

Name: Green Moong Dal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min

Naazneen Perween March 10, 2025

Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Easy & Nutritious Green Moong Dal Recipe – A Family Favourite!

Green Moong Dal Recipe: A close-up, overhead shot of a bowl of green moong dal (mung bean curry) in a terracotta serving dish. The dal is a vibrant yellow-green color with visible whole green mung beans. It is topped with a swirl of white cream, a pat of melting butter, fresh coriander leaves, and a small dried red chili.

Introduction
Green Moong Dal Recipe, a creamy lentil dish from India, is a protein-packed meal loved by kids and adults alike! As someone who grew up cooking this with my grandma, I’ve perfected this simple, flavorful recipe over 10 years. Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this dish is fool proof and ready in 35 minutes. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Green Moong Dal

Healthy & Tasty: Loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples.
Kid-Approved: Mild spices make it great for young taste buds.
Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or carrots for extra nutrition!

Ingredients (Serves 4)
Measurements are precise for perfect results every time!

1 cup green moong dal (split mung beans) – rinsed
3 cups water (for cooking)
1 medium tomato – chopped
1 small onion – finely chopped
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
1 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
Fresh cilantro – chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

Handful of spinach or grated carrots
½ inch ginger – minced (for extra zing)

Step-by-Step with photos Instructions of Green Moong Dal Recipe

1. Prep the Dal

Rinse dal in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 20 minutes (optional but speeds up cooking!).

A close-up shot of a person's hand scooping a handful of green mung beans from a white bowl filled with water, likely as the first step in preparing a Green Moong Dal Recipe. The bowl sits on a wooden surface, and the water is slightly rippled as the beans are being agitated. The focus is on the vibrant green color of the mung beans and the act of washing them. In the background, a blurred window suggests natural light is present.

2. Cook the Dal

In a pot, combine soaked dal, 3 cups water, turmeric, and salt.

A top-down view of a stainless steel pot containing green split peas, water, a spoonful of turmeric powder, a pinch of salt, and a bay leaf, representing the initial stages of preparing a Green Moong Dal Recipe. The ingredients are combined in the pot, ready to be cooked.

Boil for 15–20 minutes on medium heat until soft (stir occasionally). Mash lightly for a creamy texture.

A close-up shot of green mung beans simmering in a pot, being stirred with a wooden spoon, indicating the cooking process of a Green Moong Dal Recipe. Steam rises from the pot, suggesting the dal is hot and actively cooking.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 10-15 seconds.

A close-up shot of cumin seeds being poured from above into a black frying pan containing hot oil, representing the tempering or "tadka" stage of a Green Moong Dal Recipe. The seeds are falling in a stream and forming a pile in the center of the pan.

Add onions and garlic. Sauté until golden (3–4 minutes).

Stir in tomatoes, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until tomatoes soften (5 minutes).

Diced tomatoes are cooking in a pan with oil, and spices are being added, likely representing a step in preparing the "tadka" or tempering for a Green Moong Dal Recipe. The tomatoes are bright red and appear to be softening in the oil. A pile of reddish-brown spice, possibly chili powder, sits on top of a larger pile of a tan-colored spice, likely coriander or cumin, in the center of the pan. The pan is dark and sits on a stovetop burner. The focus is on the ingredients and the cooking process, highlighting the use of fresh tomatoes and spices.

4. Combine & Simmer

Mix the sautéed veggies into the cooked dal. Add spinach or carrots here if using.

A close-up shot of a bowl filled with cooked Green Moong Dal Recipe. The dal is a vibrant green color, with visible mung beans, pieces of spinach, and diced carrots. Steam is rising from the bowl, indicating the dal is hot and freshly prepared. The bowl is a light-colored, possibly biodegradable material, and the focus is on the texture and color of the cooked dal. The location is Patna, Bihar, India, as indicated in the prompt.

Simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Taste and adjust salt or spices.

A stainless steel pot filled with cooked Green Moong Dal is shown on a wooden surface. Steam rises from the pot, indicating the dal is hot. The dal has a vibrant green color and a slightly thick consistency. In the background, a small bowl of salt and a spoon are visible. The focus is on the cooked dal and its texture.

5. Serve!

Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

A bowl of cooked Green Moong Dal Recipe is presented in a copper serving bowl. The dal is a vibrant green with visible mung beans, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a green chili. In the background, a bowl of white rice and flatbread (roti or naan) are visible, suggesting a complete Indian meal.

Pro Tips for Success

Soak the Dal: Reduces cooking time and makes it easier to digest.
Temper Spices: Toasting cumin seeds in oil first boosts flavor!
Kid-Friendly Version: Skip chili powder and add a dash of lemon for tang.

Health Benefits
Green moong dal is a superfood! Here’s why:

Protein Power: Builds muscles – great for active kids!
Fiber-Rich: Keeps tummies happy and full longer.
Vitamins & Iron: Boosts energy and immunity.

Serving Ideas

Pair with steamed rice and cucumber raita (yogurt dip).
Pack in a lunchbox with whole-wheat paratha.
Enjoy as a cozy soup on rainy days!

Final Thoughts
This Green Moong Dal recipe is a timeless, wholesome dish that’s stood the test of time in my kitchen. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends!

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Cooking joyfully,
[Eva Naaz]
Home Chef & Nutrition Enthusiast

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Delicious

Green Moong Dal Recipe

Author: Naazneen Perween Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Indian Courses: Lentils Recipe Keys: High Protein Vegan

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 35 mins

Description

Rinse green moong dal, boil with turmeric until soft. Sauté cumin, garlic, ginger; add tomatoes, spices. Mix with dal, simmer. Garnish with cilantro. Nutritious, protein-packed, simple Indian comfort food!

Note

Always supervise kids in the kitchen. Adjust spices to match your family’s preferences. 🌱✨

Keywords: Green Moong Dal Protein-packed, Indian Comfort Food, Simple Recipe, Healthy Lentil Dish

File under healthy veg upma quick semolina upma South Indian breakfast

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

What ingredients do I need?

Green moong dal, turmeric, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, oil, salt, red chili powder, and cilantro.

How long does it take to cook?

About 30–40 minutes (boiling dal + sautéing spices).

Can I use other lentils?

Yes, but cooking time changes (e.g., red lentils cook faster).

Is it spicy?

Adjust chili powder or skip it for mild flavor.

Can I skip tomatoes?

Yes, but they add tanginess. Use lemon juice instead.

Eva Naz

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Eva Naz, a full-time food blogger, mother of 1 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in Jharkhand (INDIA) with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

Green Moong Dal Recipe