What is Chanm-Chanm? 

Chanm-chanm is a blend of ground roasted corn and roasted peanuts. Both ingredients are ground into a fine powder mixed with sugar and flavored with sweet spices such as cinnamon.

Very versatile, corn is almost unavoidable. It is a staple food in many countries and consumed for centuries in Haiti. Corn comes in a thousand and one forms as Haitian people consume corn in many ways. To crunch, grill, boil, peck, canned, fresh, or dried corn has conquered our diet for a long time.

Today we will focus on the dried, grilled corn. 

What is ChanmChanm exactly?

Chanm-Chanm is one of the popular snacks enjoyed by many people in Haiti. Chanmchanm is a rare cultural product only prepared in Haiti, as far as I am aware. When you taste chanm-chanm, it gives you an exotic taste; you feel all kinds of sensations on your lips. It tastes sweet and salty at the same time. The taste reminds us of pistachio, the sweet taste of pistachio, the Haitian Peanut Butter. 

The texture may remind you of fine sand or dust when you first try it. Because of the sandy texture, when eating chanm-chanm, it is advised to be very careful; eat it slowly because you might choke. When mixed with saliva, it becomes soft, pasty, and sticky. Once you have tried it, chanm-chanm will become easier to eat and enjoy. 

Where to buy this exotic snack, and how is it sold?

Chanm-chanm is available in Haiti in supermarkets and local merchants. It is not yet sold on Amazon, but feel free to check periodically. You may also find it in Haitian Caribbean Stores in your community or online on Etsy. Be sure to check out the vendor before making a purchase, as this is a food item.

Chanm-chanm is sold in individual plastic bags and plastic containers. See the photos below.

How to make Chanm-Chanm?

To prepare chanm-chanm, you need these ingredients: corn, peanuts, sugar, and spices. 

Use a 2-1 ratio of the corn and the peanuts. Adjust the sugar and seasoning to your liking.

• Roast the corn in a pan.
• Turn constantly to prevent the kernels from burning. Once roasted, remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
• Roast the raw peanuts in the same pan. After roasting, set aside to cool.
• Using a grinder, grind the roasted corn first, then grind the roasted peanuts. Place everything in a bowl and add the seasoning and mix well. You may want to grind all the ingredients a second time, incorporating everything correctly. The ingredients are poured into the grinder little by little to obtain a fine mixture.
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar or plastic container for storage or enjoy right away.

Although chanm-chanm is considered a snack, it can be used as a dessert. Just sprinkle it over your custard or ice cream, or enjoy it by itself. Because of its composition, after you finish eating it, it will fill you up.

It is enjoyable to eat it!