Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy dhal simmered with fresh coconut and aromatic herbs, delivering a rich, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with rice. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs Mung beans (split, yellow), Water, Coconut (fresh, grated) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup mung beans under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed beans with 3 cups water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced green chilies, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the beans are very tender and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: After the dhal has thickened, stir in 1 tsp coriander powder and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the toasted coconut and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mung beans (split, yellow) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut Mung Bean Dhal with Fresh Herbs?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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