Step 1 of 6
Moi moi
Soak the beans in plenty of water for 2 to 3 hours. Rub handfuls between your palms under water so the skins loosen and float off; pour the skins away and repeat until the beans are cream-white. Drain.
Tip: A quick pulse in a blender with water, then rinsing, loosens stubborn skins faster than rubbing.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Moi moi take?
4 hr 30 min all in — 40 min prep, 50 min cook, 3 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 8 pieces. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Shellfish, Eggs. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Blender, Stockpot, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Ramekins → Small freezer bags, knotted. This is the Lagos method. Drop the bags straight into simmering water.
What should I watch for?
Grainy batter makes grainy moi moi. Blend longer than feels necessary.
Any tips from this recipe?
Peeled beans are sold frozen or as bean flour in Nigerian shops. Bean flour works: whisk 300 g with 600 ml water and skip step 1. Add a tin of flaked sardines or corned beef to the batter for the richer party version. Moi moi freezes well. Reheat from frozen in the steamer for 20 minutes.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Moi moi freezes well. Reheat from frozen in the steamer for 20 minutes.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.