Moi moi is a Nigerian steamed bean pudding made from peeled black-eyed peas, peppers, and aromatics, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or celebrations.
A smooth blended batter produces a tender pudding, while steaming keeps the inside moist and delicate.
Blend the beans until completely smooth and leave room for the pudding to expand in each covered mold.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with tomato-pepper sauce, rice, fried plantain, or a simple salad.
Recipe Notes
Soaking and peeling the beans takes time but gives moi moi its characteristic smooth texture. Covered ramekins can be steamed in batches.
Nigerian Moi Moi (Steamed Bean Pudding)
Tender Nigerian steamed bean pudding blended with black-eyed peas, peppers, and onion.
Equipment
- Blender
- Mixing bowl
- Steamer pot
- Six ramekins or heatproof cups
Ingredients
Bean Batter
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked and peeled
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 whole red chili, seeded
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup water plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1 tsp ground curry powder
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
Sauce
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
Instructions
Blend:
- Soak the black-eyed peas in plenty of water for at least 8 hours. Rub them between your hands to remove the skins, then rinse well.
- Blend the peeled beans, bell pepper, chili, onion, water, oil, curry powder, salt, and white pepper until very smooth. Add a splash more water if needed for a thick, pourable batter.
Steam:
- Grease six heatproof ramekins and divide the batter between them, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Cover each tightly with foil.
- Set the ramekins in a steamer over simmering water. Cover and steam for 45 to 50 minutes, until the centers are firm and a skewer comes out clean.
Sauce and Serve:
- For the sauce, warm the oil in a skillet. Cook the onion for 3 minutes, add the tomatoes, and simmer for 10 minutes until thick.
- Rest the moi moi for 5 minutes, unmold, and serve with the warm tomato-pepper sauce.
Notes
- Do not let the steamer run dry.
- The batter should be smooth enough to pour but not watery.
Nutrition
Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 13gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 620mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g