Welcome to a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Nigeria. Today, we’re delving into the vibrant world of Nigerian cuisine, and our star is “Moi Moi.” This delectable steamed bean pudding, packed with rich flavors and spices, is a cherished Nigerian delight. Join me as we unlock the secrets to preparing this dish, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home.
Nigerian Moi Moi Recipe
Nigerian Moi Moi Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups black-eyed beans
- 4 boiled eggs de-shelled and sliced
- 2 medium onions
- 3 raw eggs
- 3 red bell peppers
- 3 scotch bonnet pepper
- 4 tbsp palm oil
- 3 tbsp crayfish
- 3 tsp melted butter optional
- 3 bouillon/stock cubes
- salt
- 3 cups of water
Instructions
- Soak the beans in hot water (preferably overnight).
- Peel the beans by placing them in a food processor with 4 cups of hot water.
- Let the food processor work for 3 minutes and check whether most of the beans are cut into pieces. Otherwise, let the food processor work for a few more minutes
- Put the beans with water in a large bowl and turn using your hand.
- Pour the water through a sieve, collect the loose skins, and repeat this process until all of the skins are gone from the beans.
- Mix the beans, onions, peppers, and 3 cups of water in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer the blended mixture into a large bowl, add 2 raw eggs to it, and keep aside.
- Combine the salt, palm oil, stock cubes, and ground crayfish with ½ cup of boiling water and let cool. Leave it to cool, and then add to the blended mixture.
- Mix the mixture well with a spatula or an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Boil 6 cups of water in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Grease a loaf pan, pour some of the mixtures into the pan and add some sliced hard-boiled eggs. Pour some more batter over it and cover with aluminum foil.
- Place the pan filled with the mixture into the pot with boiling water (it must not be covered with water). Cover the pot with an airtight lid and reduce the heat to a minimum. Steam for 45 to 60 minutes
- Bring down from the heat and leave to cool.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Moi Moi is one of the Nigerian food recipes that is prepared cold. All the mixing and adding of ingredients is done off the stove. That is to say, once you start cooking, there is no going back! You cannot decide to add more salt or seasoning or a new ingredient later. So getting it right at the mixing stage is very important.
- If you are cooking Moi Moi in a small pot on high heat, then it will only take about 45 minutes to get done while when you are cooking a large pot of Moi Moi, it will definitely take more than one hour.
- Serve with chilled fruit juice or coconut juice. You can also serve with Peppered Fish and as a side dish to Jollof Rice, Fried Rice or Fried Plantains. For breakfast, serve with Custard or Akamu (Pap, Ogi).
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Preparing Nigerian Moi Moi in an Oven
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of peeled and blended black-eyed peas
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 4 boiled eggs (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Moi Moi Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended black-eyed peas, vegetable oil, chicken or vegetable broth, finely chopped onion, red bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers.
- Add ground crayfish, bouillon cubes, and salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to create a smooth, well-seasoned mixture.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare the Containers:
- You can use small aluminum foil pans or oven-safe dishes. Grease them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Moi Moi:
- Pour a small amount of the mixture into each container, filling it about one-third full.
- If desired, add half of a boiled egg to each container. This is a common addition to Moi Moi and adds a delightful surprise.
- Continue Layering:
- Add more of the mixture to fill the containers up to two-thirds full.
- Bake:
- Cover each container with aluminum foil, ensuring they are well sealed.
- Place the containers on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the Moi Moi is done, insert a toothpick or a knife into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the Moi Moi is ready.
- Serve:
- Allow the Moi Moi to cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for making Nigerian Moi Moi
Cooking Tips for Perfect Nigerian Moi Moi
- Consistency is Key: Ensure your blended black-eyed peas mixture is of the right consistency. It should be smooth and thick but not too watery. Adjust the liquid content as needed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness matters in Nigerian cooking. Opt for fresh bell peppers, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers to infuse vibrant flavors into your Moi Moi.
- Proper Seasoning: Season your Moi Moi mixture well. Nigerian cuisine is known for bold flavors. Taste the mixture before steaming and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Add Some Spice: Scotch bonnet peppers are commonly used in Nigerian Moi Moi. If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before blending.
- Mind the Steam: When steaming, ensure you have enough water in your steaming pot. You don’t want it to run dry during the cooking process. Check the water level occasionally and top it up if needed.
- Layered Goodies: If you love surprises, place slices of boiled eggs, vegetables, or even pieces of fish or meat in the middle of your Moi Moi before steaming. It’s a delightful addition.
- Patience is a Virtue: Moi Moi needs time to cook and set. Be patient and avoid opening the steamer too soon, as it may affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions for Nigerian Moi Moi
- Serve with Jollof Rice: A classic pairing, Nigerian Moi Moi goes exceptionally well with Nigerian Jollof rice. The combination of flavors and textures is divine.
- Pair with Fried Plantains: The sweetness of fried plantains beautifully complements the savory Moi Moi. It’s a match made in heaven.
- Enjoy with Pap (Akamu): Moi Moi and pap, a Nigerian breakfast staple, make for a satisfying meal. The soft, smooth texture of pap contrasts nicely with the Moi Moi’s firmness.
- Add a Tasty Sauce: Drizzle some spicy pepper sauce or Nigerian tomato stew over your Moi Moi for an extra kick of flavor.
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped fresh vegetables or herbs, such as tomatoes, onions, or cilantro, on top of your Moi Moi for added freshness and color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nigerian Moi Moi
- Can I make Moi Moi without using bell peppers or scotch bonnet peppers? Yes, you can make a milder version of Moi Moi by omitting or reducing the amount of bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers. Feel free to adjust the recipe to your spice preference.
- Can I store leftover Moi Moi? Absolutely. Leftover Moi Moi can be refrigerated for a few days. Just ensure it’s properly covered to prevent drying out. Reheat in a steamer or microwave when ready to enjoy.
- What can I use as a vegan alternative to eggs in Moi Moi? Instead of eggs, you can use tofu, diced plantains, or extra vegetables to add texture and flavor to your Moi Moi.
- How do I prevent Moi Moi from sticking to the container when steaming? Grease your containers with a little oil or line them with banana leaves or foil to prevent sticking.
- Can I make Moi Moi without chicken or vegetable broth? While broth adds flavor, you can substitute it with water in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference.
Master the art of Nigerian Moi Moi with our step-by-step recipe. Discover the flavors of West Africa in your own kitchen.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.