Discover the authentic flavors of Nigerian cuisine with this traditional Moi Moi recipe. Made from blended black-eyed peas, peppers, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices, Moi Moi is a savory steamed bean pudding that’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Learn how to make this delicious, protein-packed dish with easy-to-follow steps. Perfect for those seeking a taste of West African cuisine!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups black-eyed peas (peeled)

- 1 red bell pepper

- 1 onion (medium-sized)

- 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon crayfish (optional)

- 1 seasoning cube (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

- 2 cups water (or as needed)

- 4 hard-boiled eggs (optional, for filling)

- Banana leaves, aluminum foil, or ramekins for steaming

Instructions:

Prepare the Beans:

  Soak the black-eyed peas in water for about 10 minutes. Rub them between your palms to remove the skins, then rinse and drain the beans.

Blend the Ingredients:

  In a blender, combine the peeled black-eyed peas, red bell pepper, onion, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Add water gradually and blend until smooth, creating a thick batter.

Season the Batter:

  Pour the blended mixture into a bowl. Add vegetable oil, crayfish, seasoning cube, ground paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Prepare for Steaming:

  If using banana leaves or aluminum foil, cut them into rectangles. Grease them lightly with oil. If using ramekins, grease them with oil as well.

Fill the Containers:

  Pour the batter into the banana leaves, foil, or ramekins, filling each container halfway. If desired, add slices of hard-boiled egg into the batter as a filling.

Steam the Moi Moi:

  Arrange the filled containers in a large pot with a steamer rack or on top of rolled-up aluminum foil. Add water to the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the containers. Cover the pot and steam on medium heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, adding more water as needed.

Check for Doneness:

  Insert a toothpick into the center of one container. If it comes out clean, the Moi Moi is ready.

Serve:

  Allow the Moi Moi to cool slightly before serving. Unwrap from the banana leaves or foil, or simply serve directly from the ramekins.

Enjoy your homemade Moi Moi as a side dish, snack, or light meal!

Nutritional Values

Black-Eyed Peas (2 cups, peeled)

   - Calories: 340 kcal per cup (cooked)

   - Protein: 20 grams

   - Fat: 1 gram

   - Carbohydrates: 60 grams

   - Fiber: 10 grams

Benefits:

   - High in protein and fiber, which helps in muscle building and digestion.

   - Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and potassium.

   - Supports heart health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Red Bell Pepper (1)

   - Calories: 30 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.3 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 6 grams

   - Fiber: 2 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, A, and B6

Benefits:

   - Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin repair.

   - Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene, which help protect cells from damage.

Medium-Sized Onion (1)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.1 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Fiber: 1.7 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides vitamins and antioxidants.

   - Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

Scotch Bonnet Peppers (1-2, adjust to taste)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.4 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

Benefits:

   - Boosts metabolism and adds spiciness to dishes.

   - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and overall health.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup)

   - Calories: 240 kcal per 1/4 cup

   - Fat: 28 grams

   - Saturated Fat: 3 grams (varies by oil type)

Benefits:

   - Provides essential fatty acids and helps in cooking.

   - Depending on the oil type, it can offer various health benefits, such as improved heart health from olive oil.

Crayfish (1 tablespoon, optional)

   - Calories: 94 kcal per 2 tablespoons

   - Protein: 4 grams

   - Fat: 8 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

Benefits:

   - Adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes.

   - Provides protein and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Seasoning Cube (1, optional)

   - Calories: 10-20 kcal per cube

   - Sodium: High sodium content

Benefits:

   - Enhances the flavor of dishes.

   - Provides convenience in seasoning.

Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon)

   - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

   - Protein: 0.3 grams

   - Fat: 0.3 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin A and antioxidants

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor and color to dishes.

   - Contains antioxidants and vitamins that support immune function and overall health.

Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon)

   - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

   - Protein: 0.3 grams

   - Fat: 0.1 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor and may aid digestion.

   - Contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties and may improve nutrient absorption.

Salt (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: High sodium content (about 2,300 mg per teaspoon)

Benefits:

   - Enhances the flavor of food.

   - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

Water (2 cups, or as needed)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

Benefits:

   - Necessary for cooking and hydration.

   - Helps in achieving the desired consistency and texture of the dish.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (4, optional, for filling)

   - Calories: 70 kcal

   - Protein: 6 grams

   - Fat: 5 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium

Benefits:

   - Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.

   - Supports muscle maintenance and overall health.