Chasqui Trail Mix
A little heat, a LOT of flavor
The renowned couriers of the Inka Empire used the Chasqui Trail Pass to carry messages, mail, and supplies through the high Andes Mountains — and consumed cacao to sustain their energy. I created this original recipe in honor of this incredible culture.
This flavor-packed snack is a fantastic topping to any chili, soup, stew, or salad.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups coarse crushed cacao
¾ cups pumpkin seeds
2 red chile or cayenne peppers, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1" piece fresh ginger, crushed and thinly sliced
A pinch of any or all of these ground spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, clove
Generous dash of sea salt
2 Tbsp raw or brown sugar
1 Tbsp sunflower or pumpkin seed oil
Directions:
Sautee the garlic, ginger, spices, and cayenne over medium heat in a heavy saucepan for 5 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, mix well for another minute. Plate and enjoy.
Kristen Krash is the co-founder and director of Sueño de Vida, a regenerative cacao farm and reforestation mission in Ecuador. Sueño de Vida works to educate and inspire everyday people about permaculture, sustainable living, environmental activism and healthy living all in the name of living more in harmony with nature to create a better world for us all.
You can support the Sueño de Vida mission today by purchasing our cacao or contributing to direct reforestation.
Thank you.
Want your favorite cacao recipe featured on Sueño de Vida’s site?
Submit yours for consideration today to livewell@sdvforest.com