Benjamina Ebuehi’s recipe for roast chickpea trail mix – The sweet spot

As we explore the delicious world of snacks, I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Benjamina Ebuehi, who shared her insights on trail mix—an iconic snack she first discovered in America. “What fascinates me is the uniqueness of each mix,” she said. “You can keep it classic with just nuts and dried fruit, or you can get creative by adding things like marshmallows and M&M’s. My version strikes a balance: it includes roasted chickpeas sweetened with sugar and spices, and I believe that some form of chocolate is a must-have. I opted for chocolate-covered raisins, but dark chocolate chunks or pretzel bites would also be fantastic.”

For anyone eager to get creative in the kitchen, Benjamina encourages flexibility in her recipe. “This is definitely a loose guideline, so feel free to experiment with whatever ingredients you have at home,” she advised.

Here’s her easy recipe for Roast Chickpea Trail Mix—a perfect solution for your snacking needs.

**Preparation Time:** 10 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
**Makes:** About 2.2 lbs (1 kg)

**Ingredients:**
– 700g jar of chickpeas or 500g canned chickpeas, drained
– 1½ tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground ginger
– 2 tbsp caster sugar
– 70g dried apricots
– 70g chocolate-covered raisins
– 50g yogurt-covered cranberries
– 100g roasted cashews

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan)/375°F/gas mark 5. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure they get super crunchy.

2. Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes. After that, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon and ginger, and stir well to coat. Return them to the oven for an additional 50 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Once the chickpeas are perfectly roasted, sprinkle sugar on top, mix again to ensure they’re coated, and put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes. After removing from the oven, let them cool completely.

4. Finally, combine the cooled chickpeas with all the other ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Store the trail mix in an airtight container for up to five days, but keep in mind that the chickpeas may soften over time.

Benjamina’s recipe isn’t just about crafting a tasty snack; it’s an invitation to personalize your own snacking experience. So, unleash your creativity, have fun, and enjoy!