If you’re familiar with Nigerian food, then you already know and love moi moi - a savoury steamed bean pudding made from peeled black-eyed beans, peppers, onions, and spices. It’s a beloved staple served with jollof rice, garri, ogi, and more.
But what if we took the same method that has stood the test of time and turned it into something sweet? One day, I was daydreaming and wondered: what if moi moi met chocolate? And just like that, a new recipe was born: Chocolate Moi Moi, a delicious twist on a classic, with a soft texture similar to steamed chocolate cake or rich pudding… but made entirely from beans!
This recipe follows the exact same technique as traditional moi moi, but instead of savoury ingredients, we swap in naturally sweet ingredients, cocoa, and melted chocolate.
The result is:
- Gluten-free
- Naturally sweetened with dates
- Rich in protein and fibre
- Chocolatey but not overly sweet
- Deliciously soft and pudding-like
Ingredients
(Makes 5)
- 300g peeled beans
- 200g dates (chopped)
- 500ml water, for blending
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 35g cocoa powder
- 100g chopped dark chocolate or choc chips
Method
1. Soak the beans in water for about 4 hours, then rinse and drain.
2. Chop your dates and soak them for an hour to soften. This makes blending easier and creates a natural caramel-like sweetness without added sugar.
3. Add the soaked beans, dates, and 500ml water into a blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
4. Stir in the olive oil and cocoa powder.
5. To take things up a notch, fold in 100g chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. These melt into little pockets of richness all through the pudding.
6. Steam the mixture in moi moi leaves (see video for method) or ramekins for 1 hour over low heat.
7. Once done, let the parcels cool slightly before unwrapping. You should have a perfectly set, tender pudding that holds its shape — firm yet melt-in-your-mouth soft, with streaks of melted chocolate running through it.
It’s rich but not overwhelming, lightly sweet, chocolatey, and filled with wholesome protein. It’s an unexpected dessert that feels nostalgic yet brand-new.
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a drizzle of warm plant-based chocolate sauce.
- Pair with fresh strawberries or sliced bananas.
- Top with coconut flakes or crushed peanuts.
- Chill in the fridge for a firmer, fudge-like texture.
Let me know in the comments - do you think this twist on a Nigerian classic is genius or too adventurous? Have more ideas for sweet moi moi flavours? Drop them below!
