Bubur Kacang Hijau
Sweet Mung Bean Porridge
A comforting and subtly sweet Malaysian dessert soup made from tender green mung beans, infused with aromatic pandan leaves and sweetened with palm sugar. Perfect for a light dessert or a nourishing snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250g Mung beans (green)
- 1.5 liters Water
- 100g Palm sugar (gula melaka)
- 2 Pandan leaves
- 400ml Coconut milk (thick)(For serving)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt(Optional, to balance sweetness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the mung beans thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed beans in a bowl and cover with plenty of fresh water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again.
⏱️ Overnight (8+ hours) - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the drained mung beans with 1.5 liters of fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 15-20 minutes. Continue to simmer until the beans are very tender and beginning to split open, which should take about 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 3
Add the chopped palm sugar and the knotted pandan leaves to the pot. Stir well until the palm sugar has completely dissolved. Continue to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the porridge to thicken slightly. If using, stir in the salt. Remove and discard the pandan leaves before serving.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 4
Ladle the warm bubur kacang hijau into individual serving bowls. Drizzle generously with thick coconut milk just before serving. Serve warm.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The consistency should be like a thick soup or a loose porridge. If it becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more hot water to reach your desired consistency.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can toast the mung beans lightly in a dry pan before soaking, though this is optional.
- ✓The coconut milk is traditionally added fresh at the time of serving to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. Do not boil the dessert with the coconut milk added, as it may curdle.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cooked sago pearls along with the palm sugar for added texture.
- Include cubes of cooked sweet potato (like orange-fleshed sweet potato) in the last 15-20 minutes of simmering for a more substantial dessert.