sprouted moong
Description
Sprouted moong refers to moon which has been sprouted. The technique used involves first soaking the Green gram dal whole in Water for 8 hours. Wash the Green gram dal and drain the Water. Subsequently hang the Green gram dal in a moist cloth for 10-14 hours (depending on the climate)or till you see the sprouts coming out of the muslin cloth. You may sprinkle water frequently if the cloth covered Green gram dal becomes dry. When the bean sprouts have developed short shoots, they are ready to eat. The slightly crunchy texture and sweet flavour of bean sprouts makes them a popular addition to an assortment of dishes. Sprouts can be used from salads to dosa. Sprouts are LIVING foods. Even after you harvest your sprouts and refrigerate them, they will continue to grow slowly and their vitamin content will actually increase.
How to select
Because bean sprouts have become a common ingredient, many grocery stores carry them, and they can also be prepared at home. When selecting bean sprouts in the grocery store, look for plump, crisp specimens which are not slimy, limp, or stringy. Also, look for sprouts with shoots that are still short and stored in refrigerated sections.. Longer sprouts tend to get more woody and bitter. Exposing the sprouts to sunlight will cause them to start photosynthesizing, which will make them pale green.
Culinary Uses
· Green moong dal sprout salad is a very refreshing and healthy salad. Dal when sprouted turn out to be sweeter and this combo goes well with cucumbers, lemon and green chillies.
· Mung bean sprouts are stir fried as a vegetable accompaniment to a meal, usually with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, spring onions, or pieces of salted dried fish to add flavor. Uncooked bean sprouts are used in filling for Vietnamese spring rolls, as well as a garnish
· Korea, slightly cooked mung bean sprouts, are often served as a side dish. They are blanched: placed into boiling water for less than a minute, immediately cooled down in cold water, and mixed with sesame oil, garlic, salt, and often other ingredients.
How to store
In most cases, bean sprouts can be used raw or lightly cooked, and they should be used as quickly as possible. Use the bean sprouts within two days, and make sure to rinse them before use. Sprouts are a common source of bacterial contamination, so get into the habit of rinsing any type of sprouts before eating them.
Health benefits
· Sprouts are one of the most complete and nutritional of all the foods that exist.
· Sprouts have greater concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes. Sprouts are organic and can be grown anytime anywhere.
· Sprouts are easily digestible. Abundant enzymes make them easy to digest.