Mung bean jelly (Liangfen, Chinese cold dish)
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Mung bean jelly, known as Liangfen, is a refreshing Chinese cold dish made from a starch jelly derived from mung beans, typically cut into translucent strips or cubes. It is dressed with a savory, spicy, and tangy sauce featuring ingredients like chili oil, vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame paste, often topped with fresh herbs. Originating from northern China, it is a popular summer street food and home-cooked appetizer.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Mung bean jelly is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the starch, with very low fat and minimal protein, making it a light, low-calorie dish—roughly 80-120 calories per serving depending on the dressing. It provides some dietary fiber and small amounts of minerals like iron and potassium from the mung bean base.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Liangfen is celebrated for its cooling properties in traditional Chinese medicine, making it a go-to dish for beating summer heat. Nutritionally, its high water content and gelatinous texture aid hydration and digestion, while the bold sauce adds probiotics and antioxidants from garlic and chili.