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Nigerian Moi Moi

Yields1 ServingPrep Time35 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 25 mins

Savory Nigerian bean pudding made from peeled black-eyed peas, peppers and onions.

Nigerian Moi Moi in banana leaves

Ingredients
 2 dried peeled black-eyed peas
 4 water, for soaking
 1 red bell pepper, chopped
 1 red onion, chopped
 1 Scotch bonnet chile, seeded if preferred
 2 garlic
 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
 ½ cup red palm oil or neutral vegetable oil
 1 ½ warm vegetable stock
 1 ½ tsp fine salt
 1 tsp ground crayfish substitute or mushroom powder
 ½ tsp ground white pepper
 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
 6 moi moi leaves or lightly oiled ramekins
Directions
1

Cover the peeled black-eyed peas with 4 cups water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain, rinse well, and remove any remaining loose skins for a smoother pudding.

2

Add the beans, bell pepper, onion, Scotch bonnet, garlic, and ginger to a blender. Pour in 1 cup stock and blend in batches until completely smooth with no gritty pieces.

3

Transfer the batter to a large bowl. Whisk in the palm oil, salt, mushroom powder, white pepper, nutmeg, and remaining stock until the mixture is silky and slightly lighter in texture.

4

Taste a small spoonful after microwaving it for 20 seconds, then adjust the seasoning if needed. The raw batter should pour slowly like thick pancake batter.

5

Soften and clean the leaves, then fold them into secure cones, or lightly oil six heatproof ramekins. Fill each container no more than three-quarters full so the pudding can expand.

6

Seal the leaf packets by folding the tops down, or cover the ramekins tightly with foil. Place them on a rack in a wide pot above 2 inches of simmering water.

7

Cover the pot and steam over medium-low heat for 45 to 50 minutes. Check the water every 15 minutes and add more boiling water as needed so the pot never runs dry.

8

Insert a skewer into the center of one pudding; it should emerge mostly clean and the top should feel firm and springy. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm alone or with pap, rice, or salad.

Notes

For the smoothest pudding, use peeled beans and blend the batter very finely. Traditional moi moi leaves add a delicate aroma, but lightly oiled ramekins work well.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

1 pudding

Amount per serving
Calories330
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g20%

Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 610mg27%
Protein 13g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.