Who's ever had trail mix? Depending on where in the world you live, your answer is probably either 'of course I have!' or 'what's trail mix?'. If you're unfamiliar with it, trail mix is basically a mixture of tasty bits - that's about as detailed as the recipe needs to be. There are usually various nuts and seeds, but it's often sweet, with granola, chocolate chips, dried fruit etc. added too.
Since I don't have an overly sweet tooth, and since I can never make a recipe the way it's supposed to be made however hard I try, I decided to make a savoury trail mix this time.
The recipe for this cajun spiced savoury trail mix isn't set in stone - you can start with whatever combination of nuts and seeds you like. I used cashews, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. I'd just avoid using any seeds that are too tiny, as they'll be a nightmare to eat.
I also added some edamame (soy beans), as roasted edamame is one of my favourite things ever. They make such a great snack. I went quite heavy on the edamame, but again you can change things up if you fancy using different proportions. I roasted my edamame straight from frozen - you can use fresh edamame if you prefer, just bear in mind that it might mean the trail mix roasts a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it.
And finally - crushed tortilla chips! Because it's nice to be a bit naughty sometimes.
Once you've got a combination you're happy with, just toss it all in those tasty cajun spices. The mixture I used is inspired by a cajun spice mix we brought home from the US earlier in the year, but really the possibilities are endless.
A few minutes in the oven makes everything extra crunchy, and makes the spices really toasty and fragrant.
This savoury trail mix is perfect for packing in a lunch box, or just keeping in the house for the next time you want a handful of something to crunch on. It's great sprinkled over salads too. Just store it in an air-tight tub or jar, and you're good to go.
Cajun spiced savoury trail mix
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Print Pin CommentIngredients
- 160 g frozen edamame (soy beans) (~ 1 cup)
- 100 g cashew nuts (~ ⅔ cup)
- 50 g pumpkin seeds (~ ¼ cup)
- 50 g sunflower seeds (~ ¼ cup)
- 80 g coarsely crushed tortilla chips (~ 1 cup)
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the edamame, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and crushed tortilla chips to a large bowl, and mix well to combine. Add the oil and spices, and mix thoroughly. You shouldn't need to add any salt, as the tortilla chips will be salty enough.
- Spread the mixture out on a large baking tray, and roast at 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F) for around 20 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly browned. Make sure you stir the mixture regularly to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Allow to cool completely, and store in an air-tight container.
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.
Note: Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose. Information above is for ⅛ of the recipe.
Roasted edamame is brilliant on salads too - like my ultimate vegetarian Caesar salad:
Alice says
Wow, the cooking time or temperature is quite out here! I thought 190C sounded quite high so set the time for every 5 minutes to check... after 10 minutes the cashews etc were burnt black :(
Does sound a nice mix of ingreds tho
Becca @ Easy Cheesy Vegetarian says
Sorry about that Alice, all ovens are different! If you know that's too hot for your oven, just try it at a lower temperature :)
Maren says
I made this yesterday. It's so good! 10/10 recommend
Becca @ Easy Cheesy Vegetarian says
Thanks so much Maren, glad you liked it! :)
Swetha says
Hi
I love the Savory version of a trail mix.
Is there any replacement to edamame, since it's not available in the place I stay. Thanks.
Becca @ Easy Cheesy Vegetarian says
I'd just skip it or add extra nuts or small crackers!
Platter Talk says
My kind of trail mix! I especially love the addition of edamame to the savory mix!
Tara says
Such a flavorful snack! I love the addition of edamame and all of those spices.
Sarah says
I LIVE on trail mix...it's the best! I love that this is a savory version, with a bit of a kick! Sounds so yum! Can't wait to make a giant batch....and then devour it!!!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I love trail mix (and I prefer savory ones like this!). This sounds completely delicious!!!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
Oh I loveeee cajun spice mix.... so this trail mix like made for me! Love addition of soy beans AND tortilla chips! I know my hubs gonna like this too. Thanks for sharing the recipe!