Trail mix is a healthy and tasty mix of assorted nuts, seeds and cereals. A snack that you can munch anytime that too all wit healthy ingredients. There cannot be one trail mix recipe for all and here is how I can make mine these days. Do try out and tell me!
What Is a Trail Mix?
Trail mix a snack mix of assorted nuts, seeds and cereals is preferred proportion. This is usually a preferred snack to be carried during hikes as it provides quick energy boost. Also the fats and carbs keeps the hunger pangs at bay for long time.
Traditionally trail mix is prepared with raw nuts and seeds but we can always make it to suit our tastes like I did here. I have dry roasted the cereals and used a teaspoon ghee to roast the nuts. A small amount of ghee is very healthy and it also elevates the flavor.
How To Build A Trail Mix?
There is no hard and fast rule for building a trail mix. You can raw ingredients or toasted ingredients. You can use whole nuts or chopped nuts. Usually trail mix has four important components.
Nuts– While raw nuts are usually used in trail mix, I prefer to use slightly roasted nuts here. The key is to roast the nuts in good fat at home. I do not use roasted nuts from stores though. You can use any nuts of your choice. Here I have used almonds, pistachios, walnuts as they are easily available. You can also pecans, brazil nuts etc.
Seeds– Seeds are the best addition in any trail mix. There are so many options for you to choose from among seeds. I usually use sesame seeds, flax seeds, hemp, sun flower, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. Buy raw seeds and roast them at home or just add them as it is.
Dried fruit– Dried fruits are what that provide the instant energy boost due to their sugar content. Though I am sharing a spicy trail mix recipe ere, I like to add some golden raisins, black raisins here just like chivda. If you are making sweet trail mix you can use dry fruits like dates, dried berries, apricots. Just mix them raw.
Other mix-ins– Apart from the three above mentioned main ingredients you can use are chopped chocolates, cacao nibs, granola, cereals like corn flakes, oats, ragi flakes, rice crisps, popcorn. I ave used dry roasted oats and ragi flakes here. The key is to keep the mix-ins in less proportions compared to nuts and seeds.
How To Serve Trail Mix?
Trail mix is usually carried as instant snack during trekking and hikes. You can always pack this as snack in toddlers and kids snack box.
How To Make Trail Mix Recipe Step by Step
Heat a heavy pan and dry roast oats and ragi flakes or corn flakes. Remove to a plate.
In the same add 1 teaspoon ghee or oil and heat it.
Add chopped nuts and seeds and roast in high flame for 3-4 minutes. Add salt, and chili powder. You can also use pepper powder or paprika. Remove from flame.
Combine the roasted cereals and nuts, seeds. Toss very well. Let cool and store airtight. Trail mix keeps well for 15-20 days.
Trail Mix Recipe
- 3/4 cup almonds chopped
- 3/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 3/4 cup piatchios
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup ragi flakes or corn flakes
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- chili powder to taste
- salt to taste
- Heat a heavy pan and dry roast oats and ragi flakes or corn flakes. Remove to a plate.
- In the same add 1 teaspoon ghee or oil and heat it.
- Add chopped nuts and seeds and roast in high flame for 3-4 minutes. Add salt, sugar and chili powder. You can also use pepper powder or paprika. Remove from flame.
- Combine the roasted cereals and nuts, seeds. Toss very well. Let cool and store airtight. Trail mix keeps well for 15-20 days.
Hi Harini, Very big fan girl here. I used to buy expensive trail mix packs from specialty stores but after this recipe I am making my own. I also get creative and make my own flavors. Thanks a lot!