Leaf Moi Moi

Steamed Nigerian Bean Pudding in Banana Leaves

If you’ve ever had a taste of authentic Nigerian Moi Moi, you already know it’s more than just a side dish—it’s a whole experience. This recipe takes you right into the heart of West African kitchens with a step-by-step guide to making Moi Moi wrapped in aromatic banana leaves. The rich, smoky flavor, the soft texture, and the delightful surprise of boiled eggs and fish tucked inside make every bite worth the effort.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a festive celebration, or meal prepping for the week, this Leaf Moi Moi recipe will deliver restaurant-quality results with a homemade touch.

If you’re into traditional recipes like this, check out our rich Nigerian Fried Rice or comforting Stewed Beans with Corn and Mackerel for a wholesome Nigerian meal combo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Taste: The banana leaves infuse a subtle smoky flavor you can’t get from foil.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from beans, eggs, and fish—great for vegetarians and pescatarians alike.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or party menus.
• Customizable: Make it spicy, mild, vegetarian, or add shrimp—your kitchen, your rules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups peeled beans (black-eyed peas or honey beans)
• 1 large red bell pepper (or 2–3 medium ones)
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (optional for aroma)
• 1/2 cup crayfish, washed
• 3 red onions, divided (2 for blending, 1 chopped)
• 1 tbsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 seasoning cubes (e.g., Knorr or Maggi)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (odorless, such as corn or canola oil)
• 4 boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• 1 smoked mackerel, deboned and flaked
• Banana leaves, washed and wilted (or use aluminum foil/muffin pans as backup)

Step by Step Instructions

• Prepare the Banana Leaves
  If frozen, thaw and cut into desired sizes. Wilt by briefly heating over an open flame or stove to make them pliable. Wash with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Peel and Prep the Beans
  Soak beans briefly, pulse in a blender a few times to break the skins, then rub and rinse until the skins are removed. Let the peeled beans soak for 1–2 hours.

• Prepare the Peppers & Onions
  Deseed red bell peppers, scotch bonnet, and jalapeño. Blend them with 2 red onions, crayfish, and the skin from the mackerel (optional for extra flavor).

• Cook the Pepper Sauce
  Heat oil in a pan, add the blended mixture, and fry for about 20 minutes until thick. Add grated nutmeg, seasoning cubes, and salt. Stir in flaked mackerel and set aside.
• Blend the Beans
  Blend soaked beans in batches with one onion and seasoning cube per batch. Blend until smooth and slightly airy for fluffier moi moi.

• Combine Mixture
  In a large bowl, mix blended beans and pepper sauce thoroughly. Adjust salt and seasoning to taste. Add water gradually to get a pourable consistency.

• Wrap the Moi Moi
  Form a cone with banana leaves, fill with batter, add half a boiled egg, and fold securely. Repeat until batter is finished. (See video for wrapping tips.)
• Steam the Moi Moi
  Line a pot with banana leaves, add minimal water, place wrapped moi moi, and cover with more leaves. Steam for about 1 hour, checking water level regularly.

Not confident wrapping in leaves? Try this beginner-friendly muffin pan Moi Moi method instead.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Jollof Rice or Nigerian Fried Rice for festive meals.
• Serve alongside Pap/Akamu for a comforting breakfast.

• Pair with a side of Stewed Plantains or enjoy it on its own as a snack or light lunch.
• Enjoy chilled or warm with Zobo Drink or homemade Tigernut Milk for a refreshing combo.
• Moi Moi also goes beautifully with custard or garri (soaked cassava flakes) for a traditional Nigerian touch.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled moi moi in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat by steaming or microwaving with a damp paper towel.
• Meal Prep Tip: Make a large batch and freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

🔗 Helpful Resources

• How to Wrap Moi Moi in Banana Leaves – Tiktok
• Health Benefits of Beans – WebMD
• Smoked Mackerel Nutrition Guide – My Food Data

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about unwrapping a freshly steamed Leaf Moi Moi—the aroma, the warmth, the softness. It’s one of those dishes that brings back memories, connects generations, and satisfies deeply. Whether you’re making it for the first time or reliving your childhood, this recipe makes it easy, flavorful, and fun.

Ready to try more traditional recipes? Explore our Nigerian Recipes Collection for more inspiration.