Savory Turmeric Trail Mix
I can’t be the only one that’s tired of sickly-sweet trail mix. It’s kind of funny because I 1000% have a sweet tooth (just as the entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s that I devour in a single sitting on the regular). But when I’m outside, I constantly crave snacks that taste like real food. Dessert all day is just not going to cut it. But sometimes, you don’t have room for a gourmet sandwich in your pack. Or, you already ate your sandwich at 10 in the morning, and you’re hungry again. In either case, this trail mix is designed to fill those cravings for something savory, salty, and real-food-y.
And, because nature is amazing, the simple ingredients that make up this snack are also fantastic for performance and recovery. Turmeric (we love turmeric around here) is a powerful spice that is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When you’re stressing your body through athletic pursuits, this earthy yellow powder can help you recover better and faster. Pumpkin seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their antioxidant-rich makeup. They also contain a high amount of protein and iron, both of which are important pillars of a healthy plant-based diet. When you mix these ingredients with a tasty blend of walnuts and sunflower seeds, the result is a compact powerhouse of anti-inflammatory, high-protein fuel. A little better than the usual mix of peanuts, raisins, and chocolate, right?
Savory Turmeric Trail Mix
Ingredients
1/3 cup walnuts
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp curry
1/8 tsp pepper
pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
Directions
In a (preferably) cast-iron skillet, melt oil or ghee over medium-high heat.
Add in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Mix to evenly coat in oil or ghee, then roast for 3 minutes.
Sprinkle on salt, turmeric, curry, pepper, and paprika and mix to evenly disperse spices. Lower heat to medium and roast for 2 more minutes.
Remove from heat, let cool, and then store in the trail-ready, reusable container of your choice. Refrigerate for optimal freshness if you’re storing batches between trips.
Makes 1 cup of tasty, savory trail happiness.