Growing up in Nigeria, the thought of making Moi Moi was far from exciting. The process felt more like an ordeal than a culinary adventure.
Back then, separating beans from the chaff and other remnants of threshing was tedious.
It was a chore that required patience and qualities I didn’t always have as a younger person.
To make matters worse, most home blenders couldn’t handle the tough job of grinding beans. Many times, attempting to use them meant risking a burnt-out motor.
So, making Moi Moi often required a trip to a local spot with industrial blenders. There, you could have your beans, tomatoes, and peppers blended for a fee.
Fast forward to today, and the process is a whole lot simpler.
Pre-processed beans are now readily available, already cleaned and separated.
Modern home blenders have also come a long way and can effortlessly handle the grinding process.
These advancements have turned what was once a dreaded task into an enjoyable activity.
Now, I not only love making Moi Moi but do so regularly.
What Ingredients and Equipment’s Do You Need to Make Moi Moi?
To make Moi Moi or Moin-Moin as it is sometimes called, you’ll need a few key ingredients and some essential equipment.
The Ingredients
The are a few ingredients you would need to purchase for this dish.
Beans: Traditionally, black-eyed peas or brown beans work best. You can opt for pre-peeled beans for convenience.
Onions: Adds flavor and depth to the dish.
Peppers: Fresh red bell peppers or a mix with scotch bonnet for some heat.
Palm Oil or Vegetable Oil: Some people like to use palm oil for this, but I prefer to use olive oil. The oil helps with the texture of the Moi Moi.
Spices and Seasoning: Ground pepper, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste.
Optional Additions: Eggs, fish, or minced meat for added flavor and protein.
(Insert image of optional proteins here)
The Equipment
Having the right tools makes the process for making this dish much smoother. You will need a blender, mixing bowl, Moi Moi containers, and a steaming pot.
The blender would need to be one that can handle grinding beans into a smooth paste. There are many blenders that can do this now. I use my nutribullet blender and it works great for this.
The Moi Moi containers can either be ramekins, aluminum foil wraps, or banana leaves for steaming.
Banana leaves (Thaumatococcus danielli), also called uwa or ewe eran can be used to wrap and cook the Moi Moi.
You can also use aluminum cups to steam or boil the Moi Moi on your cooker and ramekins to bake it in your air fryer or oven. Baking with ramekins takes about 20-25 minutes.
In selecting your steaming Pot, chose one that is large enough with a rack or foil base to keep the Moi Moi above the water level.
With these ingredients and equipment ready, you’re all set to start the fun part of making Nigerian Moi Moi!
How Do You Make Nigerian Moi Moi?
To get started with making Moi Moi, you will need to prepare your beans. You can do this from scratch or you can also use pre-peeled beans.
If not not using pre-peeled beans, you’ll need to soak the beans in water for about 30 minutes and rub the skins off.
Once that’s done, rinse the peeled beans thoroughly to remove any leftover chaff or skins.
Next, it’s time to blend.
Add your peeled beans to a blender along with onions, peppers, and just enough water to help the blender do its job. Blend everything until it’s smooth.
You want a silky consistency, so take your time here. The idea is for there to be no lumps!
Once your beans mixture is ready, pour it into a large mixing bowl.
Now, season it up! Add your oil, spices, and seasoning cubes, mixing everything together until well combined.
If you like, you can also add some protein at this stage. I usually like adding hardboiled eggs, minced meat and sometimes shrimp depending on what I feel like eating each time.
Next I decide if I am going to be using the traditional banana leaves, aluminum cups, ramekins, or small aluminum foil packets.
My preference is usually the leaves but when I don’t have access to them then the aluminum cups. If these two are not available I use ramekins.
Honestly, it truly doesn’t matter the one you use, the key is to ensure they are properly sealed to keep water from getting in. The only one that does not need sealing are those going into an oven or air fryer.
Set up your steaming pot by adding some water at the bottom and arranging a rack or foil to keep the containers above the water line.
Carefully place the Moi Moi containers in the pot, cover it, and steam on medium heat. Check the water level occasionally and add more as needed to avoid drying out.
After about 45 minutes to an hour, your Moi Moi should be firm and ready.
To check, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center—it should come out clean.
And there you have it: delicious, homemade Moi Moi ready to serve!
Recipe:
How to Make Nigerian Moi Moi
Equipment
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Moi Moi containers (ramekins, foil wraps, or banana leaves)
- Steaming pot with a rack or foil base
Ingredients
- 1 cup peeled beans black-eyed peas or brown beans
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper deseeded and chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- 2 boiled eggs or flaked fish optional, for protein
- Water (as needed to blend and steam)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: If you’re using unpeeled beans, soak them in water for 30 minutes, then rub them between your palms to remove the skins. Rinse thoroughly to remove any chaff or leftover skins.
- Blend the Mixture: In a blender, combine the peeled beans, onions, red bell pepper, Scotch bonnet (if using), and a bit of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. You’re aiming for a batter-like consistency, so avoid adding too much water.
- Mix the Batter: Pour the blended mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the vegetable oil, ground pepper, seasoning cubes, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Add Optional Proteins: If you’re using boiled eggs, slice them into halves. If you prefer fish, flake it into small pieces. Fold these into the batter or place them into the containers before adding the batter.
- Prepare for Steaming: Pour the batter into your Moi Moi containers, ramekins, or wrap them securely in banana leaves. Ensure the containers are sealed to prevent water from entering during steaming.
- Steam the Moi Moi: Arrange the containers in a steaming pot. Add water to the base of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the Moi Moi. Cover the pot and steam over medium heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check periodically and add more water if needed.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the Moi Moi. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Notes
- Grease ramekins containers.
- Scoop the Moi Moi into each container. Leave some space to allow it rise.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
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