Tamarind Trail Mix

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own snacks, and that’s exactly how I feel about this Tamarind Trail Mix. Picture this: you’re settling down for a cozy evening, and the perfect crunchy snack is calling your name. I stumbled upon this delightful mix while experimenting with various nuts and spices in my kitchen. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in the Tamarind Trail Mix not only hits the spot but also brings a sense of adventure to your snacking routine. It’s a recipe that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.

Every bite transports me to a world of flavor, where the richness of the nuts mingles with the brightness of the tamarind paste and the warmth of spices like cumin and cayenne. I love how versatile this mix is—perfect for a movie night or as a healthy snack for midday cravings. Whether you’re on a hike or just lounging at home, this trail mix will keep you energized and satisfied. Let me take you through the process of making this scrumptious Tamarind Trail Mix, so you can enjoy it just as much as I do!

What Goes Into Tamarind Trail Mix

The ingredients in this Tamarind Trail Mix are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the crunch of the nuts to the sweetness of the coconut flakes. Together, they create a well-rounded snack that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

• 1 pound mixed nuts and seeds (I used walnut halves, cashews, pepitas, and sunflower seeds) – A rich variety of nuts provides healthy fats and protein, essential for energy and satiety.
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes – Adds a pleasant sweetness and chewy texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Large pinch ground cayenne pepper – Infuses a kick of heat that balances the sweetness in the mix.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander – Adds a subtle citrus note, brightening up the mix.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling – Enhances all the flavors while adding a savory contrast to the sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Helps to bind the ingredients and adds richness to the mix.
• 3 tablespoons honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps the ingredients stick together.
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the sweetness of the mix.
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste – A surprising ingredient that adds a subtle umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
• 1 ½ teaspoons tamarind paste – Infuses the mix with a tangy sweetness that’s truly unique.
• ½ cup coarsely chopped dried mango – Adds chewy sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the crunchy nuts.

Step by Step Instructions for Tamarind Trail Mix

Making your own Tamarind Trail Mix is not only satisfying, but it’s also a fun cooking adventure! Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you to create this delicious snack. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a delightful treat that you can enjoy anytime.

1. Preheat your oven to 300 °F. This temperature is ideal for roasting the nuts without burning them, ensuring they become perfectly golden.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the nuts from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the assorted nuts, coconut flakes, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, and kosher salt. Stir well to ensure that all the nuts are evenly coated with the spices. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. In a medium saucepan, warm the butter, honey, brown sugar, tomato paste, and tamarind paste over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Don’t worry about any seed particles from the tamarind; they will be strained out later.
5. Once the mixture is smooth, pour it through a medium-mesh strainer into the bowl with the nuts. This step is essential to remove any stray tamarind seeds and ensure a smooth coating.
6. Using a spatula or spoon, toss the nuts until they are evenly coated with the butter and tamarind mixture. Make sure every bit of nut receives that delicious flavor!
7. Spread the coated nuts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to give them enough space so they roast evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 27 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on them; you’ll notice the nuts gradually darkening as the sugars caramelize, creating a beautiful golden color.
9. After baking, remove the sheet from the oven and sprinkle a pinch more of kosher salt over the nuts. This enhances the flavor even more. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
10. Once cooled, toss the trail mix with the chopped dried mango and feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for freshness and a pop of color.

Customization Ideas

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fantastic customization ideas for your Tamarind Trail Mix. Let your creativity flow and make this recipe truly your own!

• Mix different nuts: Feel free to swap out the walnuts or cashews for your favorites like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
• Add seeds: Incorporating seeds like chia or flaxseeds can boost the nutritional value and add interesting textures.
• Try different dried fruits: Experiment with various dried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Infuse flavors: Add a splash of vanilla or a dash of nutmeg for a different flavor profile that adds complexity to your mix.
• Make it chocolatey: For a sweet twist, consider adding some dark chocolate chips to the mix after baking.
• Keep it savory: For a savory version, omit the honey and brown sugar, and instead add spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your preference.

What to Serve Alongside Tamarind Trail Mix

Pairing your Tamarind Trail Mix with the right accompaniments can elevate your snacking experience. Here are some ideas to enjoy alongside your delicious mix:

• Fresh fruit: Serve with sliced apples or bananas for a refreshing contrast to the crunchy trail mix.
• Yogurt: A bowl of creamy yogurt makes a great dip for the Tamarind Trail Mix, adding a smooth texture to your snack.
• Cheese platter: Include this trail mix as part of a cheese platter. The flavors complement a variety of cheeses beautifully.
• Salads: Toss a handful of this trail mix into your favorite salad for an added crunch and flavor twist.
• Sandwiches: Enjoy with a light sandwich—think turkey and avocado or a veggie wrap to balance the richness of the mix.
• On-the-go: Pack some in snack bags for hiking or a day at the beach for a quick energy boost while you’re out.
• Movie night: Set up a cozy movie night at home with this Tamarind Trail Mix as your go-to snack while watching your favorite films.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Tamarind Trail Mix is not just a snack; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that surprises and satisfies. Each bite is an adventure in taste, and I encourage you to try making it for yourself. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or sharing it with loved ones, this trail mix is bound to impress!

Tamarind Trail Mix

Experience the delightful crunch of homemade snacks with this Tamarind Trail Mix. Filled with a variety of nuts and a hint of tamarind's unique tang, it's a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This easy recipe is a must-try for your next movie night!

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Servings: 4 servings

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound mixed nuts I used walnut halves, cashews, pepitas, and sunflower seeds.
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 Large pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt plus more for sprinkling
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons tamarind paste
• ½ cup coarsely chopped dried mango

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 300 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the mixed nuts, coconut flakes, ground cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, and kosher salt in a large bowl and stir well.
2. In a medium saucepan, warm the unsalted butter, honey, light brown sugar, tomato paste, and tamarind paste over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Don’t worry about any seed particles from the tamarind.
3. Pour the butter-tamarind mixture through a medium-mesh strainer into the bowl with the nuts. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 - 27 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the nuts are golden.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Let cool completely.
6. Once cooled, toss with the chopped dried mango for an added sweetness.

Notes

• Tip 1: If your tamarind paste has seed particles, strain them out before adding to the mixture.
• Tip 2: You can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of tamarind concentrate for the tamarind paste.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.