Its no secret that Moin Moin and Akara are two of the most popular breakfast meals in Nigeria.

Moin moin and Akara are both meals made from pureed beans and spicy ingredients, full of proteins, light and refreshing. They are both meals that can be prepared and garnished with many ingredients like fish, pepper, egg, etc.

However, there are many distinctions between them.

Moin-Moin

Moin-moin or moi moi is one of the most versatile breakfast meals in Nigeria. It isn't necessarily a staple breakfast meal as it can be served at any time of the day. It is a common side for rice at weddings and parties and a side for garri at any time of the day, but for breakfast, it is more commonly served with akamu or bread. It is made by steaming black-eyed pea pudding.

The beans is first soaked in cold water until soft enough and the fine outer peels are removed. The beans are ground or blended until a fine paste is achieved. Seasonings such as salt, seasoning cubes, crayfish, palm oil are added for the signature moin moin taste. Other garnishing can be added such as sardines, corned beef, eggs.

This mixture can be placed in any container ranging from the native banana leaves to clear nylon bags to aluminium pans, and then steamed using water.

If moin moin is too heavy or difficult for you, maybe you should try the alternative.

Akara

Akara, Bean Cakes, Bean Balls, Bean Fritas or Acarajé in Portuguese... is a Nigerian breakfast recipe made with beans. Akara is not the sort of street snack you find in elite spaces or parties, because it isn't that versatile. However, it makes some of the most epic meals that every (struggling) Nigerian knows well.

Just like moin moin, the beans is soaked until soft and the outer peels removed. It is then pureed and seasoned with salt, seasoning cubes, palm oil and pepper. Instead of steaming, however, the puree is scooped and deep fried in vegetable oil.

Akara is served with custard, moin-moin or bread.