Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake
A savory steamed cake made from blended black-eyed peas, peppers, and onions, yielding a moist, flavorful side dish or snack. This african-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 90 minutes layers peeled and soaked black-eyed peas, large, chopped red bell pepper, small, deseeded scotch bonnet pepper into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, peeled and soaked black-eyed peas
- 1 large, chopped red bell pepper
- 1 small, deseeded scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 seasoning cube
- to taste salt
- 1 cup water
- 2, sliced (optional) boiled eggs
- for wrapping aluminum foil or moi moi leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and peel 2 cups soaked black-eyed peas by rubbing them between your hands under running water until skins come off; drain well.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine the peeled black-eyed peas, 1 large chopped red bell pepper, 1 small deseeded scotch bonnet pepper, 1 medium chopped onion, and 1 cup water; blend to a smooth batter.
- Step 3: Transfer the batter to a bowl, stir in 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 seasoning cube crumbled, and salt to taste; mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Step 4: Prepare small heatproof containers or wrap 1/2 cup portions of the batter in aluminum foil or moi moi leaves, adding a slice of boiled egg inside each for garnish if desired.
- Step 5: Arrange the wrapped portions in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for 50-60 minutes until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 6: Remove from steamer, let cool slightly, then unwrap and serve the moist, flavorful moi moi as a side or snack.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (30 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Nigerian Moi Moi Steamed Bean Cake gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
