In brief
- Moin moin: a steamed cowpea pudding, a traditional dish from Nigeria
- Origin: Nigeria, Yoruba people
- Essential ingredients: cowpeas (black-eyed beans), onion, bell pepper, chili, palm oil, bouillon powder
- Dish served as a side or a main course, at family meals and celebrations
Origins and cultural history of moin moin
Moin moin, also spelled moin-moin, moimoi or moyi-moyi, is a traditional dish of the Yoruba people, in southwestern Nigeria. This steamed or boiled cowpea pudding has spread well beyond its region of origin and is found, under the name abará, in Yoruba-descended communities in Brazil.
Served on its own as a snack or as a side to rice, corn porridge (ogi) or gari, it has a place both in everyday meals and in big family occasions.
What are the essential ingredients of moin moin
The moin moin batter relies on a few essential ingredients found in most African and Caribbean grocery stores, including NKOSI.
- cowpeas (black-eyed beans)
- onion
- bell pepper and chili
- red palm oil
- bouillon powder
- paprika
What to know about moin moin
Moin moin is a steamed black-eyed bean pudding (niébé), its batter seasoned with onion, bell pepper, chili, red palm oil and bouillon powder. A traditional dish of the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria, it is eaten on its own as a snack, or alongside rice, corn porridge (ogi) or gari. It is served as readily at everyday meals as on big family occasions, with or without an egg or smoked fish filling.
Frequently asked questions about moin moin
Can moin moin be prepared the day before?
Yes. Once steamed, moin moin keeps in the refrigerator and can be reheated the next day, either steamed or for a few minutes in a low oven, without losing its texture.
Can the egg or smoked fish filling be replaced?
Yes, the filling is optional: it can be left out entirely or replaced with vegetables cut into small pieces, keeping the same bean batter and the same steaming time.
Where to find the ingredients for moin moin in France?
NKOSI sells the cowpeas, palm oil, bouillon powder and spices for moin moin and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
