How to make Moi-moi (Two Best Ways to Make Moi-moi) – A Joyful & Powerful Nigerian Delight 🎉✨

how to make Moi-moi

Learn how to make Moi-moi using two powerful, foolproof methods—steaming in leaves and baking in ramekins. This joyful Nigerian steamed bean pudding is rich, nutritious, flavourful, and perfect for breakfast, parties, and family meals. Includes ingredients, steps, variations, serving ideas, nutrition facts, FAQs, and expert tips for success.

🥘Introduction — How to make Moi-moi (Two Best Ways to Make Moi-moi)

If you’ve ever wanted to master how to make Moi-moi, this is the only guide you need! Moi-moi (also spelt Moin-moin or Moyi-moyi) is a beautifully steamed Nigerian bean pudding made from peeled beans, peppers, onions, and spices. Its silky, wholesome, and slightly spicy flavour makes it one of the most beloved Nigerian dishes—perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, festive gatherings, and even special occasions.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make Moi-moi using two powerful and foolproof methods:
1️⃣ Steaming Moi-moi in Uma leaves (traditional and aromatic)
2️⃣ Baking Moi-moi in ramekins or foil containers (modern, easier, and faster)

💛Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with How to make Moi-moi:

  • 🌿 Naturally nutritious — rich in protein, fibre, iron, and B-vitamins.
  • 🔥 Two powerful cooking methods — choose between steaming or baking.
  • 🎉 A joyful recipe — wholesome, hearty, and perfect for any occasion.
  • 🍽️ Versatile — serve with rice, pap/ogi, garri, bread, custard, or as a snack.
  • 💪 Highly energising — ideal for children, athletes, and busy adults.
  • 😍 Beginner-friendly — easy steps, minimal equipment, and guaranteed results.

🛒Ingredients Needed for Moi-moi (With Descriptions)🫘🔥

Below are the essential ingredients you need when learning how to make Moi-moi:

  1. ⭐ Black-eyed beans or brown beans: This is the base of Moi-moi. It provides protein, fibre, iron, and structure.
  2. ⭐ Red bell peppers (tatashe): Adds colour, moisture, and sweetness to the blend.
  3. ⭐ Scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo): Provides heat and signature Nigerian flavour. Adjust to tolerance.
  4. ⭐ Onions: Adds depth, savouriness, and aroma.
  5. ⭐ Palm oil or vegetable oil: Gives Moi-moi its iconic richness and silky texture.
  6. ⭐ Crayfish (optional): Adds depth, smokiness, and traditional flavour.
  7. ⭐ Seasoning cubes: Boosts umami and balances the beans’ natural earthy notes.
  8. ⭐ Salt: Essential for taste.
  9. ⭐ Warm water or stock: Used to adjust the consistency of the batter.
  10. ⭐ Eggs, fish, or corned beef (optional fillings): For fortified and luxurious Moi-moi.
  11. ⭐ Uma leaves / banana leaves/foil cups: Needed depending on the cooking technique you prefer.

🍳Equipment Needed for the Recipe

  • Blender (for smooth batter)
  • Steamer pot, large pot, or baking tray
  • Heatproof bowls, ramekins, foil containers, or Uma leaves
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Aluminium foil (if baking)
  • Whisk (for checking texture)

👩🏾‍🍳Step-by-Step Guide — How to Make Moi-moi (Two Best Ways) 🥣🔥

💡 Step 1: Prepare and Peel the Beans

  • Soak beans in warm water for 20–30 minutes.
  • Rub between your palms to remove the skins.
  • Rinse until the skins float away and the beans are clean and white.

💡 Step 2: Blend the Beans into a Smooth Batter

  • In a blender, combine peeled beans, onions, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet.
  • Add just enough water to help the blending process.
  • Blend until velvety and smooth—this is essential for learning how to make Moi-moi perfectly.

💡 Step 3: Mix the Moi-moi Batter

  • Pour the blended mixture into a bowl.
  • Add oil, crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt.
  • Slowly add warm water or stock until the batter becomes slightly thick but pourable.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before cooking.

💡 Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Below are the two best ways to master how to make Moi-moi.

🌿METHOD 1: How to Make Moi-moi by Steaming in Banana/Uma Leaves

Step 5: Prepare the Leaves

  • Wash Uma or banana leaves thoroughly.
  • Pass them briefly over a flame to soften.

Step 6: Fill the Moi-moi Wraps

  • Fold the leaves into small cones.
  • Pour in some batter and add optional fillings (egg, fish, or beef).
  • Fold tightly to prevent leakage.

Step 7: Steam the Moi-moi

  • Arrange the wraps in a pot.
  • Add water below the wrap level.
  • Cover and steam for 45–60 minutes until firm and fully cooked.

Step 8: Check Doneness

  • Insert a skewer. If it comes out clean, your Moi-moi is ready.
    Learning how to make Moi-moi using this traditional method gives the dish a unique aroma that’s unmatched.
Moi Moi

🔥METHOD 2: How to Make Moi-moi by Baking in Ramekins or Foil Cups

Step 5: Prepare Your Containers

  • Grease ramekins or foil cups with oil.
  • Pour the batter halfway and add optional fillings.

Step 6: Bake the Moi-moi

  • Place filled ramekins in a baking tray.
  • Add hot water to the tray (water bath method).
  • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–45 minutes.

Step 7: Check Doneness

  • Insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your Moi-moi is set.
    This modern technique of how to make Moi-moi is faster, neater, and ideal for busy cooks.
Traditional Moi-moi recipe
Moi-moi

💎Tips for Perfect Moi-moi Every Time

  • Blend the beans very smoothly for a silky texture.
  • Don’t skip oil—it keeps the Moi-moi moist.
  • Use stock instead of water for a deeper flavour.
  • Avoid making the batter too watery.
  • Add baking water halfway if steaming to prevent burning.
  • Use fresh peppers for the brightest colour.
  • For extra-fluffy Moi-moi, whisk the batter before cooking to introduce air.

🍽️Serving Suggestions

Moi-moi is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with:

  • Jollof rice or fried rice
  • Pap/ogi/akamu
  • Custard
  • Garri soaked in cold water
  • Soft bread or Agege bread
  • Boiled yam or potatoes
  • Grilled or fried fish
  • Plantains

🌈Variations of Moi-moi

  • Moi-moi with egg (classic and luxurious)
  • Moi-moi with fish (rich and savoury)
  • Moi-moi with corned beef (hearty and flavourful)
  • Moi-moi in nylon bags (fast and popular)
  • Moi-moi in leaves (traditional and aromatic)
  • Moi-moi with vegetables (nutritious for kids and adults)

Each variation teaches you more about how to make Moi-moi creatively.

📊Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

🔗Source: USDA FoodData Central — Blackeye Pea↗

NutrientAmount% Daily Value (DV)
Calories230 kcal12%
Protein12 g24%
Carbohydrates28 g10%
Fat8 g12%
Fibre6 g21%
Iron3 mg17%
Folate110 mcg28%
Vitamin A8%
Potassium405 mg9%

🌿Health Benefits & Nutrition Advice

Making how to make Moi-moi part of your diet comes with meaningful benefits:

  • Rich in plant-based protein — excellent for muscle building.
  • High in fibre — supports digestion and blood sugar control.
  • Great source of iron — helpful for energy and preventing anaemia.
  • Low in unhealthy fats — supports heart health.
  • Packed with antioxidants from peppers and onions.

Nutrition advice:
For a healthier version, reduce oil slightly, use more peppers, bake instead of steaming, and add vegetables like spinach or carrots.

Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

moi-moi

Moi-Moi Preparation (Beans Pudding)

At its core, moi-moi is made from black-eyed peas or brown beans, which are peeled and blended into a smooth paste. The preparation begins by soaking the beans to soften them, followed by peeling to remove the outer skin. This labor-intensive step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture. After peeling, the beans are blended with spices, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes tomatoes, creating a vibrant and flavorful batter.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine African/Nigerian
Servings 1 Family of 6
Calories 282 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Blender or Grinder
  • 1 Pot
  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups beans Use honey bean or black eye peas
  • 1 to 3 sweet peppers fresh paprika or tatashe
  • 2 cups vegetable oil or palm oil
  • 1 Onions
  • 1 to 3 tbsp ground crayfish
  • 2 tbsp nutmeg optional
  • Ginger and garlic  optional
  • 2 – 4 seasoning cubes
  • salt to taste
  • Habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper to taste

Moi-moi Protein Accessories (usage is optional)

  • 1 kg Mackerel optional
  • 6 to 7 eggs optional
  • corned beaf optional
  • sadines optional
  • smoked fish (cleaned and gutted) optional

Instructions
 

  • Parboil the fish, remove the center bones, and break it into smaller pieces. Set the stock aside.
  • Please remove the seeds from the shombo (pepper) and ensure that the beans are thoroughly washed or peeled.
  • Combine crayfish, shombo, onions, and bl
  • Put the contents in a large bowl. Next, add oil, any fish or protein you prefer, two seasoning cubes, and fish stock. Stir everything together well.
  • Add salt and taste for salt
  • Pour the mixture into plates or moi moi wrappers, banana leaf or foil.
  • Tranfer to the pot for steaming/cooking
  • Add water slowly, making sure it does not go above the level of the first plate.
  • Cook or steam for 40 to 50 minutes.

If you want to use baking method

  • Following the steaming method, soak and peel the beans, then blend them with the other ingredients.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour the moin moin mixture into it.
  • Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, checking for doneness. The edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the dish.

Notes

You can use brown honey beans, which are available in Nigeria. For the best taste, choose a vegetable oil that doesn’t have a strong flavour or smell. You can use either fish or beef-flavoured seasoning cubes to enhance the dish. If you want to make this meal vegan or vegetarian, just leave out the crayfish and use any other seasonings you like instead of the seasoning cube. If you’re allergic to crayfish or can’t find it where you live, feel free to skip it and add extra seasoning cubes for more flavour.
Keyword Moi-moi

❓Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use unpeeled beans?
👉No. Peel your beans to get a smooth, silky finish.

2. Can I freeze Moi-moi?
👉Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
👉Yes, but ensure the mixture becomes very smooth.

4. Why is my Moi-moi dry?|
👉You may have used too little oil or overcooked it.

5. Can I substitute palm oil?
👉Yes. Use vegetable oil or mix both for flavour and colour.

🌟Final Thoughts

Learning how to make Moi-moi is one of the most rewarding cooking experiences for lovers of Nigerian cuisine. With this joyful, powerful, and detailed guide, you now know how to make Moi-moi using both the traditional steaming method and the modern oven-baked method. Whether you’re preparing it for family breakfast, Sunday lunch, or festive parties, your Moi-moi will always turn out soft, moist, flavourful, and irresistible.

Enjoy every step—and every bite! 🎉🥘✨

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