Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry
A light and nutritious stir-fry of sprouted mung beans and fresh spinach leaves tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, and aromatic curry leaves. This indian-inspired vegan ready in about 22 minutes pairs sprouted mung beans, fresh spinach leaves, chopped, oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sprouted mung beans
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 chopped green chili
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- a pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, sauté until mustard seeds begin to pop, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 1 chopped green chili, 1 tsp grated ginger, and a pinch of asafoetida; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups sprouted mung beans along with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and 3/4 tsp salt; stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mung beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness; serve warm as a side or light main.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry?
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 sprouted mung beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry?
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 Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Gujarati Spiced Mung Bean and Spinach Stir-Fry?
Indian vegan 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.