Moi Moi (Nigerian Steamed Bean Pudding)
In short: A silky steamed pudding of peeled black-eyed peas blended with red peppers and onion, a staple of Nigerian breakfasts, parties and weekday lunches. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 225 kcal
Moi moi is a savory steamed pudding made from black-eyed peas, and it shows up at breakfast tables, parties and weekday lunches across Nigeria. The beans are peeled, blended with red peppers, chili and onion, enriched with oil and steamed until the texture is soft, moist and sliceable. It is traditionally cooked in leaves or foil. This version uses small cups, which makes it easy to portion and serve.
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas in cold water for 1 hour. Drain, then rub the beans between your palms in a bowl of fresh water so the skins float away. Pour off the skins and repeat until most are gone.
- Blend the peeled beans with the bell peppers, scotch bonnets, onion and about 250 ml (1 cup) of warm water until completely smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable, like pancake batter.
- Stir in the oil, salt and crayfish if using. Taste the raw batter; it should be slightly salty and peppery because steaming mellows it.
- Bring 3 cm (1 inch) of water to a boil in a wide pot fitted with a rack or an upturned plate. Lightly oil 12 ramekins or foil cups.
- Ladle the batter into the cups until they are 3/4 full. If using eggs, press half an egg into the center of each.
- Stand the cups on the rack, cover the pot tightly and steam over medium-low heat for 40 to 45 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Top up the water if it runs low.
- Cool for 5 minutes before unmolding. Serve warm with ogi (fermented corn pap), bread or jollof rice.
Tips
- Short on time? Peeled dried black-eyed peas, sold in many African grocery stores, skip the skinning step completely.
- For extra depth, blend one small roasted tomato with the peppers and stir a pinch of ground dried chili into the batter.
Questions and answers
What is moi moi served with?
Nigerians eat it with ogi (fermented corn pap), jollof rice, bread or garri soaked in cold water. It also works as a light breakfast on its own.
Can I steam moi moi without foil or ramekins?
Yes. Use banana leaves, silicone muffin cups or a single heatproof dish. A 20 cm (8 inch) dish needs about 60 to 70 minutes.
How long does moi moi keep?
Refrigerated in a covered container it keeps for 4 days. It freezes for up to 2 months; steam or microwave it until hot.
How long does it take to make Moi Moi (Nigerian Steamed Bean Pudding)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Moi Moi (Nigerian Steamed Bean Pudding)?
About 225 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 225 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
