Moi Moi, (Beans Cake in English) also pronounced and spelled as Moin Moin is delicious, soft, fluffy and a must to try. It is called Alale or Alala by the Hausas, Olele/Elele by the Igbo and remains Moi Moi in the mouths of Yorubas. This meal can be prepared with beans and selected spices. It is then cooked in aluminum foil, leaves, bowls, ramekins, nylons, and tins. Let me show you how to prepare Moi Moi. Let’s go!

Ingredients for MoiMoi

2 cups of big or small beans

5 tbsp of ground crayfish

5 seasoning cubes

Curry (optional)

Pepper

2 big onions

2 tbsp palm oil

Red bell pepper

3 eggs (optional)

Smoked fish or sardine (optional)

Salt to taste

Before we dive into the steps on how to prepare moi moi, let us look at the equipment we need.

Equipment used for Making Moi Moi

Blender or Food processor

Big pot

Strainer

Spatula for mixing

Ladle

Ramekins

How to Prepare Moi Moi

STEP 1: Before anything, pick the beans to remove any dirt or stone from them.

STEP 2: After this, soak the beans with water in a medium bowl for 30-45 minutes. Some people soak their beans overnight, either way, are fine.

STEP 3: Wash the beans by scrubbing them together with your palms. Here, you are creating friction between your palms so as to remove seed coats from the beans.

STEP 4: Ensure all coats are removed. Strain this water using a strainer into another bowl. Repeat this process till the seed coats are completely separated from the beans.

STEP 5: Rinse and wash one last time before transferring to a bowl.

STEP 6: Now, wash the onions, pepper, and red bell pepper. Remove the seeds from the red bell pepper here. 

STEP 7: Add this to the beans. You may either take this to blend at the market or use a good blender at home to grind the beans to a smooth paste.

STEP 8: If you’re blending at home, add in a little water to help it grind better to a smooth paste without lumps and any difficulty.

STEP 9: Now, that’s the first step on how to prepare Moi Moi. Let’s take a step further.

STEP 10: Choose what garnishing you want here:

Eggs? Boil the eggs for 12-15 minutes. After this, remove the shells and slice them into smaller pieces or desired size.

Fish? Boil the fish or simply buy a smoked fish. Debone the fish and cut it into pieces. Set aside.

Sardine? Take the fish out of the can and set it aside.

Spring onions? Give this a wash and a nice cut. Set aside.

STEP 11: Choose what method of cooking you’ll like to prepare this Moi Moi.

Nylon? Open them and set them aside. It’s advised you double the nylon so as to avoid the Moi Moi from bursting open. This makes your pot messy and extra time for cleaning. Simply open a nylon and insert it into another nylon. This way, you’re doubling the nylon.

Tin? Grease the tin with oil and set it aside.

Aluminum foil? Grease the foil with butter or oil and set them close to you. Preheat the oven cause you’ll be baking if you choose this method. Now, let’s take the next step.

STEP 12: Pour the ground paste into a bowl and give this a stir for at least 10 minutes. Then;

STEP 13: Slowly add in some water and continue stirring till you get a smooth texture.

STEP 14: Avoid pouring too much water so as to not end up with a watery mixture. Moi Moi has to be slightly thick and watery. Take caution here, it has to be almost watery but not WATERY.

STEP 15: Add in palm oil or groundnut oil and give this a stir. If you’re on a healthy diet, you can use olive oil.

STEP 16: For the seasoning cubes, it’s best you melt them in hot water so as to avoid eating undissolved seasoning. Use little water for this.

STEP 17: Add in salt to taste. Go easy on the salt, okay? Too much can ruin the whole meal.

STEP 18: Give this a mix again. Add in curry if you want to.

STEP 19: Add in the ground crayfish. Now add in your preferred garnishing and give a final mix. Like a DJ, yeah? Dissssh disssh dissssh, okay? Let’s continue.

STEP 20: On medium heat, add water to a pot and leave to boil.

STEP 21: Have you decided on the method you want to use to prepare Moi Moi? Yes?

STEP 22: Now, use a ladle to scoop out the mixture into your choice of cooking till the content is finished from the bowl. 

STEP 23: In each, add in fish or eggs. If you’re using nylon, tie the tip, and if aluminum, seal it tight.

STEP 24: Is your water boiling or hot enough? Yes? Now add the wrapped Moi Moi into the pot containing water.

STEP 25: If you’re using tin, just place them carefully on the pot containing water.

STEP 26: Allow to steam cook for 45 minutes to an hour. Then;

STEP 27: As the Moi Moi cooks, watch the water level and if it begins to dry up, add water to the pot so as to keep it from burning.

STEP 28: To check if done, insert a toothpick into one and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. You can simply work with time or better yet, have a taste of your soft and delicious Moi Moi.

STEP 29: When certain, take out the Moi Moi from the water and leave to cool down.

STEP 30: Unwrap the Moi Moi and serve on a plate. Enjoy!

Recipes That Best Goes With Moi Moi

Moi moi is best eaten with rice recipes.

How to Best Serve Moi Moi

Moi moi is a versatile dish and can be served alongside Jollof Rice and Fried Rice. Because of this versatility, it can also be eaten with Garri, Pap, Custard, Koko (Pap), and also with peppered sauce and fish. This is why you need to know how to prepare moimoi. With Moi Moi, you can’t go wrong.

Occasions to Serve Best

Moi moi can be served at parties, for lunch, dinner, and special occasions.

Nutritional Benefits of Moi Moi

This delicious delicacy is highly rich in proteins and other macro nutrients that play an important role in our bodies. Beans are rich in protein and when cooked with eggs or fish, it helps enrich them.

In addition, Moi Moi also helps in promoting bowel movements (visit to the toilet) due to its fiber content but this also helps in reducing constipation.

How to Reheat/Preserve/Store Moi Moi

Moi moi can simply be heated the following day by simply heating water and allowing it to boil for at least 30 minutes. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 days for longevity and still retain its taste.

Conclusion

I know next time you hear of this delicacy, you’ll beat your chest because you now know how to prepare Moi Moi. In addition, Moi Moi can be enjoyed with any Nigerian rice recipe with a chilled drink and of course with friends and families.

It may interest you to read on: How to Prepare Miyan Kubewa (Okro Soup).

FAQs

How to make moi moi for sale?

Making moi moi for sale requires the same procedure as the one you would make for your family. To know how to prepare moi moi for sale, you have to take note of your target market when considering ingredients, packaging and quality of the moi moi.

What makes moi moi too soft?

There are a variety of reasons why your moi moi maybe too soft. This could either be because you soaked the beans for too long, used tomato puree or added too much water.

What beans is best for moi moi?

Honey beans are best for making moi moi.

What can I use to mold my Moi Moi?

Moi Moi will take the shape of any container you use. You can use leaves, nylon, tins, ramekins to mold your moi moi.

Can I make moi moi without peeling the beans?

Yes you can. We eat beans without peeling the back, so it is possible to make moi moi without peeling the beans. it is important to note that when making moi moi with unpeeled beans, it is best to use brown or honey beans.

What can I use instead of Moi Moi Leaf?

You can use Nylon, Tins, Ramekins, pouches, Muffin pans e.t.c

Can i use nylon for my moi moi?

Sure. Moi Moi can be prepared in nylon. To avoid busting, Double the nylon. This way, the second nylon serves as a layer of insurance and prevents the moi moi for spilling in the pot.