Candied Cajun Trail Mix
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 5
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 pinch ground ginger
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecan halves
- 1 cup chickpeas (drained or more if preferred, omit for paleo friendly)
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons vegan butter (or regular butter)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- 1/2-1 tablespoon spicy cajun seasoning (or mix you can also use use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each of cayenne, garli
- 6 ounces dried mango (or spicy chili dried mango to add af
- Carbohydrate 21.2576355 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 14.1815975 g
- Fiber 3.49482494544983 g
- Protein 6.073024 g
- Saturated Fat 1.076003 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (90g)
- Sodium 932.6269 mg
- Sugar 17.7628105545502 g
- Trans Fat 0.781545000000001 g
- Calories 223 calories
My Go-To Energy Booster: Candied Cajun Trail Mix
As a busy working mom, finding healthy and delicious snacks that keep me energized throughout the day can be a challenge. I'm constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and family dinners, and the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I developed this Candied Cajun Trail Mix recipe – it's quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. It’s become my absolute go-to energy booster, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. This recipe is perfect for those days when I need a little something extra to keep me going, and it's also fantastic for packing lunches or taking on the go.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether I'm aiming for a vegan option or need to stick to a paleo diet, I can easily adjust the ingredients to fit my needs. The base recipe is already naturally vegan, excluding the butter, of course. If following a paleo diet, simply omit the chickpeas, and you're good to go! The blend of sweet and spicy flavors is addictive, and the combination of crunchy nuts, seeds, and chewy dried mango makes for an incredibly satisfying snack. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it hits that perfect spot when my afternoon energy slump hits.
The process itself is remarkably simple. I can usually whip up a batch in under an hour, even on my busiest days. The magic happens in the Instant Pot – a kitchen appliance that has become an indispensable part of my life. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature reduces cooking time significantly, and the sauté function ensures that all the ingredients are perfectly coated in the delicious Cajun seasoning and maple syrup. The baking step adds a lovely crunch to the nuts and seeds, further elevating the textural experience of the snack.
Ingredient Flexibility:
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your own unique flavor combinations. For example, adding some pumpkin seeds or pepitas could add a nice nutty flavor, while cranberries or apricots would provide a different kind of sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, try using different types of dried mango – some have a nice kick of spice that pairs really well with the Cajun seasoning.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Once the trail mix has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from getting stale. With proper storage, this snack should last for several weeks, which is perfect for meal prepping and keeping a healthy snack readily available throughout the week.
Making it Your Own:
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to your own preferences. If you prefer a less spicy snack, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. Likewise, if you want a sweeter treat, add a bit more maple syrup. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices – a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg could add a lovely warmth to the mix. The options are endless!
This Candied Cajun Trail Mix has become an essential part of my daily routine. It fuels my energy levels and provides a much-needed boost when I need it most. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own – you won't be disappointed!
Step-by-step
- Place all ingredients into Instant Pot. Mix thoroughly.
- Sauté with plastic spatula until butter is melted and nuts/chickpeas are coated with the seasoning and maple syrup. If batter seems too sticky/thick once sautéing, add the 1 tablespoon of water.
- Switch to pressure cooker onto Manual cooking mode for 10 minutes. Use the Quick Release once timer is done.
- Remove from pot & spread the nut mix onto a lined cooking sheet. Bake on 375 for 7-10 minutes; turning nuts/seeds halfway. Any longer might burn the nuts. The chickpeas will be a little less cooked but still tasty! See notes for other options.
- Remove from oven and let Cajun trail mix completely cool.
- Lastly, dice your mango into small pieces. Then add to your candied Cajun trail mix and stir all together. It's easiest to do this in a large ziplock or airtight container. If you are using plain dried mango, feel free to add more spices to the mix to coat.
- Store in an airtight container. Makes 5 cups or so.
