Moi-moi is a traditional Nigerian dish that is popular among the Yorubas, the south- western part of Nigeria. It’s called beans pudding in English. Made from a mixture of beans, pepper mix, onions and other protein steamed all together.
Most times, it’s tasking and time-consuming especially for first timers.
It’s commonly cooked in most Nigerian homes on Saturdays. Moi-moi is one dish always present during festive celebrations and parties.
I tried making it for the first time and it turned out better than expected.
Moi-moi is usually cooked in moi-moi packs or cans but cooking it in leaves is typically healthier.
Research shows these leaves contains antioxidants that help with the kidney, liver and the digestive system in general.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups of beans
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 groundnut oil
• Fresh moi-moi leaves
• 1 ice-fish
• 2 seasoning cubes
• 7pcs of scotch bonnet
• 3pcs of chilli- red peppers
• 1 onion bulb
• 2 garlic cloves, small ball of fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons of crayfish
• Salt
MEAL PREP
I soaked my beans in clean water for 20minutes and I washed thoroughly until I got a clear water.
I proceeded to boil the eggs for 10 minutes.
Next, I washed & chopped the fish into pieces, seasoned and boiled on low heat for 5 minutes.
Then I took out the seeds from the scotch bonnets & chilli- red pepper and rinsed with clean water.
I cut the hard boiled eggs into bits and deboned the boiled fish in a clean plate.
COOKING PROCESS
In a clean blender, I poured in the washed beans followed by the pepper mix. I went in with the onions, garlic, ginger and crayfish then a full cup of water.
It’s very important to go in batches so it’s well blended into a pureé consistency.
It can also be blended more than once to avoid any grainy consistency.
This process requires a lot of patience as the consistency of the barter will determine the final outcome.
After double blending, i poured my batter in a clean big bowl to mix the rest of the ingredients.
I poured in the chopped eggs and fish, added some seasoning cubes and then some groundnut oil.
You can choose to add the eggs and fish after pouring the batter into the leaves but I prefer mine this way.
I stirred and added salt to taste. It’s important to make sure your batter is not too watery or too thick so the right consistency for the moi-moi is gotten.
I added 2 cups of water to my batter because it was too thick.
This particular step is a tricky one. You have to do a lot of tasting and mixing so it’s not over seasoned and the batter is just right.
The final process is to wash the moi-moi leaves with clean water preparing to pour in the batter.
Also, I set out my cooking pot, placed some leaves in it and poured in one cup of water. Placing leaves inside the pot helps create a base and a steam back for the moi-moi to cook properly.
The folding of the leaves is the most difficult part. It took me hours to get and I still need a bit of practice but I found a short cut.
First, I placed one leaf over the other and wrapped gently from one end of the left side to the end of right side, trying to form a cone shape.
After wrapping, I bent the bottom upwards to prevent the batter from spilling out.
I gently filled my batter into the hole. I didn’t overfill it to the brim. Finally, I sealed the top of the leaves by grabbing the center and then the two ends and flipped it backwards.
I repeated this process with the rest of my leaves until the mix finished.
During this process, I already lit up my pot so i placed my wrap one after the other to cook.
I covered with extra leaves ontop to lock in heat and moisture then I cooked for about 45 minutes.
During the cooking process, I kept flipping so every side is properly cooked. After the required time to cook, my moi- moi got ready and I served with a side of garri, groundnut, milk & ice cubes.
I always watch my mom make this meal so I’m familiar with the steps, but it was the first time trying it on my own and it came out better than I expected.
Cooking moi-moi with leaves is not just a better choice, it’s healthier and it gives it a different aroma and flavor if properly done.
I absolutely enjoyed this meal and I hope my steps are well detailed for you to give a try😁.