Are you craving a delicious and satisfying snack that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Southwest Snack Mix is the perfect answer for a quick and healthy snack, a party appetizer, or even a fun addition to your lunchbox. It's a vibrant mix of crunchy nuts, seeds, and spices that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for quick dinner ideas or a simple, healthy meal addition. Homemade cooking doesn't get much easier than this!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 cup dried corn kernels
- ½ cup tortilla chips, broken into smaller pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pecans, pumpkin seeds, corn kernels, and tortilla chips.
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Make the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
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Coat the Mix: Pour the spice blend over the nut and seed mixture. Toss everything together until the nuts and seeds are evenly coated.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the nuts and seeds are lightly toasted and fragrant. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows it to crisp up further. Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Southwest Snack Mix:
- Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts for some or all of the pecans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder snack mix, omit it entirely.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: For an even more homemade touch, make your own tortilla chips by cutting corn tortillas into wedges and baking them until crispy.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding other ingredients like dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or even some shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per ¼ cup serving might be around:
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Southwest Snack Mix is a delightful and healthy snack that's perfect for any occasion. Its delicious combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy schedules. Enjoy this delicious and easy food recipe! It's a great addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Remember to share this amazing recipe with your friends and family!