Kalamai is a traditional

Chamorro Chamorro may refer to: * Chamorro people, the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific * Chamorro language, an Austronesian language indigenous to The Marianas * Chamorro Time Zone, the time zone of Guam and the Northern Mari ...

corn / coconut pudding, sometimes referred to as coconut gelatin (though no gelatin is actually used). Original versions of kalamai called for

masa harina ''Masa'' (or ''masa de maíz'') (; ) is a maize dough that comes from ground nixtamalized corn. It is used for making corn tortillas, ''gorditas'', ''tamales'', ''pupusas'', and many other Latin American dishes. It is dried and powdered into a f ...

coconut milk Coconut milk is an opaque, milky-white liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. The opacity and rich taste of coconut milk are due to its high oil content, most of which is saturated fat. Coconut milk is a traditional food i ...

, sugar, and water. Subsequently, cornstarch has been used to thicken the dessert. Red or green food coloring may be used to color the kalamai, followed by a sprinkling of cinnamon on the surface. A few recipes add vanilla for additional flavoring. The kalamai mixture, once thickened, is traditionally poured into a low rimmed tray to a half-inch thickness. This dessert is cooled, then sliced into squares. The pudding-like version of kalamai has a very creamy, soft texture. This pudding is served just as a piece of pie is served. The gelatin-like recipe yields a dessert that is firm like

Jell-O Jell-O is an American brand offering a variety of powdered gelatin dessert (fruit-flavored gels/jellies), pudding, and no-bake cream pie mixes. The original gelatin dessert (genericized as jello) is the signature of the brand. "Jell-O" is a reg ...

. It can be eaten with fingers. Both versions of kalamai have a very distinct coconut and masa harina flavor.Topping, D., Ogo, P., Dungca, B (1969). Chamorro-English Dictionary.

References

Chamorro cuisine Foods containing coconut Guamanian desserts Puddings {{Guam-stub

See also

References