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.

Chanm chanm is a Haitian snack made from ground corn and peanuts. It is a popular treat for children and adults alike and is often enjoyed as a snack on the go or as a dessert. Chanm chanm can be eaten plain or sweetened with sugar or other flavorings, such as cinnamon or vanilla.

Chanm chanm is made by first parching the corn and peanuts. The corn is then ground into a fine powder, and the peanuts are chopped into small pieces. The corn powder and peanuts are then mixed together, and sugar and other flavorings are added to taste.

Chanm chanm can be eaten in a variety of ways. It can be eaten straight from the bowl, or it can be mixed with milk or yogurt to make a porridge. Chanm chanm can also be used to make other desserts, such as cakes and cookies.

Chanm chanm is a nutritious snack that is high in protein and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Very versatile, corn is almost unavoidable. It is a staple food in many countries and has been 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. This is not an allergy-friendly ingredient. If you suffer from corn allergies, please do not consume this product.

What is ChanmChanm exactly?

Chanm-Chanm is one of the popular snacks enjoyed by many people in Haiti. As far as I am aware, Chanmchanm is a rare cultural product only prepared in Haiti. 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. 

Here are some of the benefits of eating chanm chanm:

• It is a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating.
• It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
• It is a relatively low-calorie snack, making it a good choice for people trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
• It is a gluten-free snack, making it a good option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
• It is a relatively inexpensive snack, making it a good choice for people on a budget.

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

Enjoy!