MOIN MOIN

'Moin moin' is an West African dish consisting of black-eyed peas or other beans prepared as a savory bean pudding. It is a protein-rich food that is a staple in Nigeria.
Moin moin is prepared by first soaking the beans in water until it is soft enough to remove the fine outer covering or peel. Then it is ground or blended (using a blender) until it is as liquid as possible. Salt, palm oil or (any edible oil) and other seasonings are added to taste. Some add sardines, corned-beef, sliced boiled eggs, or a combination of these and other 'garnishes' to liven up moin moin. Such is referred to as having 'x' number of lives, 'x' representing the number of garnishes added. The most touted is "moin moin elemi meje", which translates to moin moin with 7 lives. Moin moin usually comes in a slanted pyramid shape or a cylindrical shape, owing to the mold it is poured into prior to cooking. The pyramid shape comes from the traditional broad leaves that are fashioned into a cone in one's palm, then the seasoned and garnished liquid is poured into the leaves, which is then folded. The cylindrical shapes come from empty cans of tomato sauce used in preparation of other dishes. Once placed in its mold, it is placed in a large pot about a tenth filled with water. The water is the source of steam that cooks the moin moin. Moin moin is eaten alone or with bread as a snack, with rice as a meal or with 'eko' (corn or millet porridge) for breakfast or supper.