Steps
1. Remove maize from cobs if fresh, and cook in water for about 5 minutes. If dried corn is used, soak in water overnight and strain when ready to cook.
2. Soak cowpeas, wash, and add to corn. If desired add potash. Cook until soft (approximately 60 minutes).
3. Add other ingredients, and cook until pepper has lost its sharp taste, and mixture becomes a liquid paste (approximately 45 minutes).
4. Add salt to taste and serve alone.

Source
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1991), Post-harvest and processing technologies of African staple foods: a technical compendium, ISBN 92-5-103076-6, Rome