Mung Bean Pancakes

To prepare a delicious bean pancake recipe, we start by thoroughly washing the beans, making sure to clean them of any impurities. Then, we place them in a larger jar, covering them with plenty of water so that the water level exceeds the beans by about four fingers. It is essential to let the beans soak overnight to hydrate properly. The next day, we will gently stir the beans with a teaspoon to ensure that all the beans are evenly moistened. If we notice that some beans have not fully expanded, it is recommended to change the water and let the beans soak for another day.

After the beans have turned into a soft and fluffy mass, we drain them well and transfer them to a food processor or a grinder. It is important to grind them until we obtain a fine, homogeneous paste. If we realize that it is too dense, do not hesitate to add a tablespoon of water to achieve the desired consistency. At this point, we can add salt to taste and other preferred flavors, such as dill, which will give a fresh and aromatic taste to our paste.

The final composition should have a consistency similar to a paste, and to check if it is correct, let it sit for a few minutes in the bowl; if the water does not rise to the surface, it means it is perfect. If we have added too much water, we can use a sieve and cheesecloth to strain the paste, removing the excess water.

From the obtained paste, we can form the famous mung pancakes. In a frying pan, we put a splash of oil and with a spoon, take a portion of our paste. We place it in the already heated oil and, using the back of the spoon, spread the paste into a pancake shape. We cook the pancakes on both sides over low heat until we achieve a slightly brownish hue, a sign that they are ready.

These pancakes can be filled with a variety of ingredients, depending on everyone's culinary preferences. I, for example, chose to fill them with cow's milk cheese, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and creamy avocado. The result is a delicious, healthy, and substantial dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. To observe how much the beans swell during the soaking process, I used two jars: one with dry beans and another with the already soaked beans, to highlight this fascinating transformation. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle.