It’s All About The Beans: Moi Moi

Beans, how many ways can you cook them? Why not try steaming them to create bean cakes -- Moi Moi. It didn't seem that appealing to me -- having to soak black eye beans in hot water for 12 to 24 hours and then spending another 2 hours peeling the beans, it’s not easy -- but all worth it in the end. Like most beans, black-eyed beans are rich in the best sort of fiber - soluble fiber - which helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body. They are a good source of potassium, copper, phosphorous and manganese. As a high-potassium, low-sodium food they help reduce blood pressure. Though this dish sounds French: Moi Moi meaning Me Me, don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not all about you, it’s all about the beans!

Ingredients:

2 cups of black eye beans

2 large tomatoes

1 medium onion

2 hot peppers

2 magi cubes

1 tablespoon of crayfish

Salt

4 boiled eggs

2 pieces of king fish (the eggs and fish are optional, you can put whatever meat you prefer)

Vegetable oil

In a large boil, soak the beans in hot water overnight.

After 12 to 24 hours, gently squeeze the beans and remove the peelings.

Place the peeled beans in a blender with the tomatoes, onion, hot peppers, magi cubes, crayfish and salt. Blend well, until it becomes smooth and pudding like. (You may need to add some water to loosen up the mixture).

Add a little vegetable oil to each small bowl, making sure to cover the bottom and sides with the oil (this prevents the bean cakes from sticking)

Pour the mixture into the bowls (about ¾ full).

Chop your boiled eggs and fish. Add the eggs and fish to the mixture.

In a large pot, add about two cups of water. Carefully place the bowls in the pot (making sure the water doesn’t overflow into the bowls, use two pots if needed). Place the bowls one on top of the other. Cover and steam for 30 - 40 minutes on medium heat.

Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.