Kalamai (dessert) facts for kids
| Type | Pudding |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Mariana Islands |
| Main ingredients | Masa harina, coconut milk, sugar, water |
Kalamai is a yummy, traditional dessert from the Chamorro people. They live on the Mariana Islands, like Guam. It's a type of pudding made from corn and coconut. Some people call it "coconut gelatin," but it doesn't actually have gelatin in it!
Contents
What is Kalamai?
Kalamai is a sweet treat that's been enjoyed for a long time. It's a special part of Chamorro cooking. Imagine a creamy, soft pudding or a firm, jelly-like dessert. That's Kalamai!
How is Kalamai Made?
The original way to make Kalamai uses a few simple ingredients. These include:
- Masa harina: This is a special flour made from corn.
- Coconut milk: This gives Kalamai its rich coconut flavor.
- Sugar: To make it sweet.
- Water: To mix everything together.
Over time, people started using cornstarch to make the dessert thicker. Sometimes, cooks add red or green food coloring to make Kalamai look fun. They might also sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor. A little vanilla can be added too, to make it even tastier!
Different Kinds of Kalamai
Once the Kalamai mixture is thick, it's poured into a shallow tray. It cools down and then gets cut into squares. There are two main types of Kalamai:
Creamy Pudding Style
One version is very soft and creamy, just like a pudding. It has a smooth texture. You usually eat this kind with a spoon, like a slice of pie.
Firm Gelatin Style
The other type is much firmer. It's solid, almost like Jell-O. This kind is so firm, you can even pick it up and eat it with your fingers! Both types of Kalamai have a strong taste of coconut and corn.
