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:
Ceri Jones says
Love the idea of this. Like a bombay mix vibe but with cajun spices? Cool! I love the ones with dark chocolate in too of course, but can imagine this would be weird here! ha ha
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Yes, just like bombay mix! But less Indian! ;)
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
I love creating my own snacks at home and this one is so quick and easy to make too. Winning!
Kavey at Kavey Eats says
Am only familiar with Trail Mix because of trips over there and have many American friends from photography and travel websites I used to belong to. Yours looks so full of flavour, perfect for a hike or just a snack at home!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
In my case, probably more likely the snack at home ;)
Camilla says
Love this trail mix Becca, just want to dive in right now! Would never have thought to roast edamame beans but then I never buy them so really should try this, I think I've bought them in a fresh salad before.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I would 100% recommend picking up a bag of the frozen ones if you've not tried them before - such an easy protein to throw into a dish. I always add a handful to boil with pasta whenever I make it, an easy way to add a bit of protein and it's yummy too!
SueJ says
I love trail mix, but had never thought of making my own - what a great idea - I am sure I could get through way too much of this! :)
Ren Behan says
What a great idea for a crunchy sprinkle for salads, I also like the thought of having a jar on my desk to munch on during the day. Great recipe Becca.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Would definitely stop you reaching for the biscuit tin :D
Christine says
Hello Becca, I'm presuming that the edamame beans should be defrosted first before mixing with the nuts & spices ?
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I cooked mine straight from frozen :)
Annabel says
That looks gorgeous!!! Would make nice presents, too, in an attractive jar.....
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Ooh yes it would!
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet says
This is a lovely recipe, love that it only takes half an hour! Thank you Becca.
Claudia says
Yer baby !