Mung Bean and Licorice Root Soup for Everyday Wellness
Mung Bean and Licorice Root Soup for Everyday Wellness
Mung bean and licorice root soup is a light, traditional Chinese food-therapy dessert. This recipe was adapted from a mung bean and licorice root preparation shared by Teacher Ding-Min Liu (劉定明老師). The cooking instructions combine traditional preparation with practical stovetop and electric-cooker methods.
It may be enjoyed warm and in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially during seasonal changes.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 4–5 servings.
1 rice measuring cup dry mung beans (approximately 150 mL by volume)
8–10 thin slices of Chinese licorice root (Sheng Gan Cao)
6 rice measuring cups water (approximately 900 mL)
About 1 tablespoon minimally refined red rock sugar, adjusted to taste; optional
A small pinch of salt; optional
A traditional rice measuring cup holds approximately 150 mL.
Preparation
Sort through the mung beans and discard any damaged, discolored, or insect-damaged beans.
Rinse the beans thoroughly.
Cover the beans with plenty of water and soak for 2–3 hours.
Drain and discard the soaking water before cooking.
Method 1: Stovetop
This method uses short periods of simmering followed by longer resting periods. It helps soften the beans without requiring continuous cooking.
Bring approximately 900 mL of water to a boil.
Add the drained mung beans and licorice root slices. Add a small pinch of salt if desired.
When the water returns to a boil, skim away any foam that collects on the surface.
Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat without opening the lid. Let the soup rest for 30 minutes.
Turn the heat back on. Once the soup returns to a gentle boil, simmer for another 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat, keep the lid closed, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Open the lid and check that the mung beans are fully tender.
Add the red rock sugar and simmer over low heat for approximately 3 minutes, or until completely dissolved.
Allow the soup to cool slightly and serve warm.
If the beans are still firm, simmer for another 5–10 minutes and let them rest again before adding sugar. Cooking time may vary depending on the age, size, and variety of the mung beans.
Method 2: Traditional Electric Cooker
This method is intended for a traditional indirect-heating electric cooker, such as a Tatung-style cooker that requires water in the outer pot.
Electronic rice cookers, pressure cookers, slow cookers, and Instant Pots operate differently and should not use these instructions without adjustment.
Place the soaked and drained mung beans in the inner pot.
Add the licorice root, 6 rice cups of water, and an optional pinch of salt.
Place 2 rice cups of water in the outer pot.
Cover the cooker and press the cooking switch.
When the switch releases, keep the lid closed and let the soup rest for 30 minutes.
Add another 2 rice cups of water to the outer pot and begin a second cooking cycle.
When the second cycle finishes, keep the lid closed and let the soup rest for another 20 minutes.
Open the lid and check whether the mung beans are fully tender.
Once the beans are tender, stir in the red rock sugar until dissolved.
If the beans are still firm, add another ½ rice cup of water to the outer pot and run an additional cooking cycle. Add sugar only after the beans have softened.
Shorter Electric-Cooker Option
If the mung beans are relatively fresh and have been soaked for 2–3 hours, you may first try:
Inner pot: 1 rice cup mung beans and 6 rice cups water
Outer pot: 1½ rice cups water
After the switch releases: keep covered and rest for 20–30 minutes
If the beans remain firm, add another ½ rice cup of water to the outer pot and cook them again.
Because mung beans and electric cookers vary, the two-cycle method above is the more reliable option for a public recipe.
Important Cooking Tips
Add Sugar Only After the Beans Are Tender
Do not add sugar at the beginning. Adding sugar too early may prevent the mung beans from softening properly.
Adjust the Texture
For more distinct, whole beans, avoid vigorous stirring.
For a softer, creamier texture, gently mash or stir a portion of the beans after cooking.
Adjust the Amount of Water
For a thicker soup: use approximately 800 mL.
For a standard consistency: use approximately 900 mL.
For a lighter soup with more broth: increase the water to approximately 1,000 mL.
Adjust the Sweetness
Begin with a small amount of sugar, taste, and add more if needed. The soup may also be prepared without added sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy a small serving while warm. Avoid consuming a large amount at one time. Discontinue use if it causes abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, or any other unexpected reaction.
Important Health Disclaimer
This recipe is provided for general educational and food-therapy purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent influenza or any other disease. It should not replace vaccination, prescribed medication, medical evaluation, or professional treatment.
Licorice root should not be consumed in large amounts or used regularly for an extended period without professional guidance. Licorice containing glycyrrhizin may raise blood pressure, lower potassium levels, cause fluid retention, and interact with certain medications.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, low potassium, or another significant medical condition, should consult a qualified healthcare professional before consuming licorice root. Anyone taking prescription medication should also check with a physician or pharmacist regarding possible interactions.
Recipe and Information Sources
Food-therapy formula: Adapted from the mung bean and licorice root preparation shared by Teacher Ding-Min Liu (劉定民老師).
Stovetop technique: Adapted from Chef A-Ching’s video, Popular Sweet Soup: Mung Bean Soup with Tender, Distinct Beans and a Light, Balanced Broth.
Electric-cooker proportions and method: Adapted from a mung bean soup method presented by Taiwan’s Agriculture and Food Agency and summarized by Health 2.0.
Licorice safety information: Licorice Root: Usefulness and Safety — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
This webpage combines information from separate food-therapy and culinary sources and has been reformatted for practical home preparation.