Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi
A steamed bean pudding infused with fresh spinach and savory ground meat, offering a nutritious and elegant appetizer or side dish. This nigerian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian alternative) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chopped spinach, (chicken or beef) ground meat, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1 cup, soaked overnight and drained black-eyed peas
- 1/2 cup, chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup (chicken or beef) ground meat
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp palm oil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- to taste salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup drained black-eyed peas, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve a thick batter.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped spinach and 1/4 cup ground meat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
- Step 3: Grease a steamer basket with 1 tbsp palm oil. Pour the batter into the basket (filling 3/4 full), cover with a lid, and steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until set and firm to the touch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi?
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 Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spinach and Ground Meat Moi Moi vegetarian alternative?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian alternative based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
