Way back in the day, when I was just finding my way around my mother’s kitchen, we often had a canning jar of bean sprouts on the counter. My Aunt Janet, the family health nut, was the first to introduce us to the idea, and we loved it. They were hard to find in the markets around here at the time, so we grew our own. As today, while doing little tasks, like sprouting seeds, there was always music in the background in mom’s kitchen, the radio or vinyl at the time of course, and it was fun to dance around the room. If I was in control we were entertained by The Doors, Janice or Jimmy or Joni, The Beatles, Dylan. If mom was in command, there was Tony Bennet or Frank Sinatra, maybe Willie Nelson. My older sister loved Ricky Nelson, Dion, and Sam Cooke. I loved them all. When I think of mom’s kitchen and dining room, I think of music, and recently when sprouting some mung bean seeds, it brought back some lovely memories and I thought how all the kitchens I’ve occupied since have that same musical accompaniments.
Easy
The process of sprouting the beans was simple and fun. We cut little squares of cheesecloth, added the beans to the jar, and secured the cheesecloth with a rubber band. We rinsed the sprouts, set them aside, and twice a day rinsed and drained them again until they sprouted. Easy. Fulfilling. In no time, there appeared a big jar of sprouts to use on whatever we wanted.
Let’s try this again
Although I still dance around the kitchen to the (now) oldies (my exercise of choice since the treadmill bores me to tears), I haven’t sprouted my own seeds for quite a while. Don’t know why the habit got lost. It is really easy and inexpensive to sprout your own, and is quite satisfying. Often the sprouts in the store are dismal looking!
Power packed
Mung beans are a nutritional powerhouse. Low in calories, they are a great source of fiber, protein, folate, potassium, copper, magnesium and other minerals, B vitamins, and antioxidants. They are also noted as being good for digestion, anti-cancer properties, and may help to reduce blood sugar and high blood pressure. That’s a lot from a little seed, and they are tasty as well.
A gift
Recently, my husband came back from the co-op with a little lid for wide-mouth canning jars and a couple of packets of seeds to sprout. The plastic cover was filled with holes and served as a quicker method to the cheesecloth routine. I’ve since seen these little lids everywhere, along with just about every possible lid to transform your canning jar into everything from a peanut butter stirring machine to a soap dispenser. Who knew?
A new project
With the new lid in hand, the batch of mung bean sprouts satisfied my gardening urges for the time being; spring is always elusive here in March. Through the weekend and beyond, a nice little snowstorm surprised us, and the March Winds returned in full force. After many mild sunny days which tempted me to purchase a packet of sugar snap peas, we were set back a few weeks. The snow was just enough to keep us on our toes, lingering. ‘Tis the Season of Deception after all.
Enjoyable additions to our meals!
So the sprouts were a welcome addition to the week’s dishes – tasty and fresh, and I used them in veggie wraps and to finish off a stir-fry. There’s another jar sprouting on the counter, and there will be more to come as my packet of seeds was quite large, and I’ve gotten back into the routine.
Fun in the kitchen
So, why not put on some fun dance music, sprout those seeds, and join me in a little trip back in time? After all, we can’t control the weather.
Mung Bean Sprouts
- 2 tbsp. mung bean seeds
- Water
Rinse your mung bean seeds and place in your jar. Rinse again in the jar, then top with sprouting cover or some cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. Shake out any excess water and set upside down in a bowl. Cover with a towel to prevent greening of the sprouts. Do this twice each day. Each day, you’ll see the sprouts get larger. It will take about 5 days for the sprouts to be crunchy and ready to eat. At that point, keep them refrigerated and use them in a couple of days.
© Copyright 2024– or current year, The New Vintage Kitchen. Dorothy Grover-Read. Unattributed use of this material is strictly prohibited. Reposting and links may be used, provided that credit is given to The New Vintage Kitchen, with active link and direction to this original post.
The New Vintage Kitchen does not accept ads or payment for mention of products or businesses.
Supporter of: Slow Food Fair Trade USA Northeast Organic Farmers Association EcoWatch Let’s Save Our Planet No Kid Hungry Hunger Free Vermont Environmental Working Group World Central Kitchen Sustainable America Seed Savers Exchange
Awesome idea! I look forward to trying it!
It’s fun! And a good diversion from the new batch of white stuff!
My goodness, look at all those wriggly shoots. Just looking at them makes me feel healthier…… and reaching to turn on the radio.
Thanks, Mary :))
They do make you feel healthy with just a glance, and that turn around the floor!
My kids used to love doing this. I don’t know why I stopped growing sprouts when they grew up. Must start again. Thanks for inspiring me, as always Dorothy.
I know! I don’t know why I stopped either! Back in the routine, mp3 in hand!
What a lovely story💚
Thanks! I bet you’ve grown your own sprouts?
My grandsons would love that but a bit too far away for us. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it’s perfect to do with kids, even on FaceTime!
Fun post, good memories of Mom’s kitchen, and good instructions. My grandson is very food conscious. I think he would like this so I’ll share.
Thanks Judy! The kids love doing this because it’s almost instant gratification!
My sister in law has sprouts on her kitchen counter always… why don’t I? I’m going to give it a try! And while I am at it, I’ll be listening to “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi!
Excellent choice of background music Nancy! Have fun with it!
What a fun idea. I’ve always wanted to try things like this but my infamous black thumb has kept me away from growing anything…but basil. You (may) have given me the courage to try it.
It’s so easy! You can certainly do it with confidence!!! Enjoy those sprouts.
What a fun post. I can just see you dancing to Sam Cook. I never thought of sprouting my own beans. I think I missed that very sixties activity. It’s never too late though.
Give it a try! I know a certain young lady who would love to give you a hand, and find some good dance music!
What a joyous post! Haven’t had bean sprouts in a long time, but I remember their crunchy goodness. During the last storm, we got rain rather than snow, and for the first time in my memory, we are snow free in early March.
Thanks Laurie. We were snow free for a week or so, and will most likely be snow free by the end of the day as it is going to be in the high 40s here today! Such crazy weather! We only got a few inches, but not far from here they got a foot!
Growing your own crops is absolutely satisfying, no matter what you grow 😉 and having fun in the kitchen is super important and satisfying too 😉
Thanks Ribana! It’s definitely a fun diversion at this time of year.
I also used to grow my own bean sprouts. One tip for buying the mung beans is to get them at an Indian grocery store. Their beans have not been “treated” with heat and will sprout.
Marjorie
That’s a good point, you always need to buy beans for sprouting. Many health food stores also have them in the bulk section.
What a great idea, I bet they taste better too! I liked your sweet memories, and music certainly brings them back instantly! Yikes, sorry about the late snow, spring is coming, I promise!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna!
Yes, they are nice and fresh and tasty, and I’m watching the snow melt as I write!
That’s really funny cause I just noticed some sprouting jars in the cupboard yesterday that I haven’t touched in decades! I don’t know why not! They’re so easy. Thanks for the reminder!
We’ve all forgotten about them! Don’t know why either, but I’m back in business!
What a lovely nostalgic food story! I know sprouted beans are nutrient packed will have to start adding them to my diet!
Thank you! So much fun to sprout!
Fun story, and I loved the photos of the beans sprouting!
“…twice a day rinsed and drained them again until they sprouted”… Oh my, that’s not for me!
But I admire you’re dedication. Keep on dancing! 🙂
Oh well, you know by now it’s me… 😀
Yes, I do!
Always!
I grew sprouts about 30 years ago and haven’t since! Good to rethink this!
I guess many of us had this long lapse of memory, or inspiration!
You have so many sweet memories in the kitchen, Dorothy. It is the heart of the home. Your sprouts look delicious. Maybe I’ll try growing them, because as you say, March is deceitful. We still have some time to wait to plant outside.
Thank you Mary! Good luck, and have fun with the sprouts!
I love adding bean sprouts to so many dishes, who knew it was this easy to grow! Thanks for the tips!
It’s easy and also fun! I don’t know why I forgot it first so long!
Have always just bought bean sprouts – I must give this a try!
You will be amazed how easy it is! They are just begging to sprout!
I, too, love growing sprouts. And of course, dancing in bare feet. 🍃🌱🌿🎶
The two go together nicely!
I agree. 👏
I’ve never considered sprouting my own, but I’ve always enjoyed them on salads and such in restaurants. Thanks for making this seem so easy! I love alfalfa sprouts, too, but I hardly ever see them anymore. The music in the kitchen, however, I’m right there with you!
Kick off your shoes, turn up the volume, open the windows, and dance!
Wow, I never thought of growing my own bean sprouts–I used to use them quite a bit on salads, but got out of the habit–I’ll have to try growing my own! 🙂
It’s really easy and fun Nancy, I think you’ll enjoy it.
Wow, I’ve never tried growing them! You always have such great stories here, Dorothy.
Thank you Christy! It’s funny what memories something so silly as a canning jar sprout cover can conjure up!
I love playing music while cooking in the kitchen, and I’m pleased you do also.
Part of my ingredients!
What fun Dorothy! I bet kids would love seeing this too.
It’s a lot of fun to do with them.