Moin Moin (Steamed Bean Pudding)
A savory Nigerian steamed pudding made from blended black-eyed peas with peppers and onion, poured into cups and gently steamed until set. Plan ahead: soak the peas overnight for easy peeling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1/2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded
- 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 6 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp ground crayfish or dried shrimp powder (optional, omit for vegan)
Instructions
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1
Drain 2 cups soaked overnight dried black-eyed peas and rub between your palms under running water to loosen and remove their skins. Discard skins and drain well.
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2
Blend the peeled peas with 1 roughly chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 seeded scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, 1 roughly chopped yellow onion, and half of the 2 cups warm water until completely smooth.
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3
Transfer the blended batter to a large bowl. Stir in 6 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 2 tsp ground crayfish or dried shrimp powder (optional, omit for vegan) if using. Add remaining warm water and stir until the batter is smooth and pourable, like a thick pancake batter.
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4
Grease individual ramekins, heat-safe cups, or small bowls with a little oil. Pour batter into each vessel, filling about three-quarters full.
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5
Place a steamer rack in a large pot with about 2 inches of water. Arrange the filled cups on the rack. Bring water to a boil, cover tightly, reduce to medium, and steam for 40-45 minutes until the moin moin is set and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
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6
Remove from steamer and let cool for 5 minutes before unmolding. Serve warm as a side dish.