Masala Trail Mix

Summer time is synonymous with hiking and camping for us. We have not begun to camp or hike yet, but will soon start. I would like give it a kick start with Hari Nayak's Masala Trail Mix. I have tried this recipe twice and have loved it.

I own a copy of his cookbook and I must say, I love it( I swear he did not pay me to say this:))It is a cookbook for a person who is not used to Indian cooking.While some of the techniques are very common is most cuisines, he gently introduces spices to a novice in Indian cooking. For example, everyone is familiar with trail mix, now introduce masala to it. That is neat, I simply love the concept, especially since I give cooking classes. This was in our menu for our last week's class and it was a hit!

Here is the recipe. I substituted garam masala for Chaat masala.

Cumin seeds – 2 tsp ( dry roasted & coarsely Ground)
Garam Masala – 2 tsp
Chilli powder – 1 ½ tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Oil – 3/4 cup
Almonds – 1 cup
Cashew nuts – 1 cup
Pistachios – 1 cup
Peanuts – 1 cup
Hazel nuts- ½ cup
Macadamia nuts – ½ cup
Raisins- ½ cup
Dried Mint – 1 tsp

•Mix together the ground cumin powder, garam masala, chilli powder and salt.
•Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, fry the nuts until they turn golden. This takes about 2 minutes.
•Drain the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl ( do not drain in paper towel)
•Fry the raisins for a few seconds and add it to the nuts
•Quickly mix the spice mix to the nuts and toss so that the nuts are coated well.
•Add the dried mint and toss.
•Store in a air tight container after it cools completely.

On another note, If you ever come to Folsom,CA, do not forget to pay a visit to GoodFellas
This is an awesome family owned Italian restaurant. George, the owner was kind enough to donate $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner of Folsom, who donates $25.

On a day you are frustrated about what the world has come to, think of this wonderful event, where people from around the world have come together.