Cuisine : Moi Moi - Steps to make thiss traditional West African steamed pudding

 

Moi Moi: An Introduction

Moi Moi is a traditional West African steamed bean pudding made primarily from blended peeled beans, usually black-eyed peas or brown cowpeas. It is a highly nutritious and flavorful dish, rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Moi Moi is enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or main meal, often served alongside rice, garri, bread, or eaten on its own. Its soft, cake-like texture and savory flavor make it a beloved food in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

Moi Moi is versatile and can be made plain or with added fillings such as hard-boiled eggs, fish, or corned beef, depending on personal preferences.

Ingredients:

2 cups of peeled black-eyed peas or cowpeas

1 medium onion, chopped

1-2 red bell peppers, chopped

1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional, for heat)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons of salt (to taste)

1 tablespoon ground crayfish (optional, for flavor)

1 teaspoon of seasoning powder (bouillon, optional)

4 cups of water

Optional fillings: hard-boiled eggs, smoked fish, or corned beef

Aluminum foil, banana leaves, or moi moi containers for steaming

Steps to Prepare Moi Moi

1. Prepare the Beans:

Start by peeling the beans. Soak the black-eyed peas in water for about 30 minutes to soften the skins. Rub the soaked beans between your hands to loosen the skins.

Drain the water and replace it with fresh water. Repeat this process until most of the skins are removed and the water is clear.

Once the beans are peeled, drain them and set them aside.

2. Blend the Ingredients:

In a blender, combine the peeled beans, chopped onions, red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers (if using), and a little water. Blend until smooth, making sure the mixture is well-pureed.

The batter should have a slightly thick, but pourable consistency. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more water and blend again until smooth.

3. Add Seasoning and Oil:

Pour the blended bean mixture into a large bowl.

Add salt, ground crayfish (if using), seasoning powder, and vegetable oil to the batter. Stir everything together until well incorporated.

At this stage, you can also add water to adjust the consistency of the batter. Moi Moi batter should not be too thick; it should have a smooth, slightly runny consistency similar to pancake batter.

4. Prepare the Fillings (Optional):

If you're adding fillings like hard-boiled eggs, smoked fish, or corned beef, prepare them now. Cut the eggs into halves or slices, shred the fish, or flake the corned beef.

Set the fillings aside for later.

5. Prepare the Steaming Vessels:

Moi Moi can be steamed in various containers. You can use moi moi aluminum containers, heat-safe bowls, banana leaves, or foil sheets.

If using banana leaves or foil sheets, cut them into squares or rectangles and fold them into pouches. Ensure that the pouches are tightly sealed to prevent water from seeping in during steaming.

6. Fill and Assemble:

Scoop the Moi Moi batter into your chosen steaming vessel (containers, banana leaves, or foil pouches). Fill each container or pouch halfway with the batter.

If using fillings, place a piece of hard-boiled egg, fish, or corned beef in the center of each portion of batter, then cover with more batter.

Leave some space in the containers to allow the Moi Moi to rise slightly as it cooks.

7. Steam the Moi Moi:

In a large pot, place a steamer basket or a base layer of foil to keep the Moi Moi containers elevated above the water.

Add enough water to the pot without touching the bottom of the containers. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Arrange the Moi Moi containers or pouches in the pot, ensuring they are not submerged in water. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Steam for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check periodically to ensure there's enough water in the pot; add more hot water as needed.

The Moi Moi is done when it sets and firms up, with a soft, pudding-like texture.

8. Cool and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the Moi Moi from the pot and allow them to cool slightly.

Serve warm with rice, bread, or other preferred accompaniments.

Moi Moi is a delicious and versatile dish, suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be customized with various fillings for added flavor.