NUTTY GRANOLA
Homemade Gluten-Free Granola: A Crunchy, Nutty Delight! Packed with organic oats, a medley of nuts, seeds, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, this granola is the perfect way to kickstart your day or enjoy as a healthy snack. The delightful crunch of almonds, walnuts, and cashews, combined with the chewiness of coconut flakes and the nutritional boost from chia and flax seeds, makes this granola not just delicious but also nourishing. Whether you enjoy it on its own, atop yogurt, or with your favorite milk, this granola is sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, it can be stored in an airtight container for those busy mornings or afternoon munchies. Dive into this crunchy, nutty delight and feel good about what you’re eating!
- 2 cups gluten-free organic oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
- 1 cup raw walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 cup raw cashews, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or macadamia oil, or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey)
- In a large mixing bowl, add the oats.
- Roughly chop the almonds, walnuts, and cashews. You can use a knife or a food processor to chop them into desired sizes (not too fine; you want some texture).
- Add the chopped nuts to the bowl with the oats.
Next, add, unsweetened coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, ground flax seeds,and chia seeds, apart from ground cinnamon, salt.
- Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine, olive oil (or chosen oil), maple syrup (or honey), salt, amd ground cinnamon.
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring gently until it is well combined and slightly warm. Do not let it boil; just warm enough to mix everything together smoothly.
Once combined, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Pour the warm oil and syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
- Stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture. Make sure there are no dry patches.
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). This low temperature ensures that the granola cooks evenly without burning.
- Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper (parchment paper). This will prevent the granola from sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the lined baking tray. Use the spatula to flatten it out as much as possible for even baking.
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking (around the 15-18 minute mark), stir the granola gently to ensure it bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. This will help achieve a uniform golden color and crisp texture.
- Once the granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven.
- Allow it to cool completely on the baking tray. As it cools, it will become crispier. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Do not skip this step, as it helps achieve the right texture.
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container.
- Store it at room temperature for up to 2-4 weeks. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.
- You can adjust the sweetness, add different nuts or seeds, or include dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots after baking for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor profile.
- Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate chips after baking for a sweet treat.
- Incorporate dried mango, pineapple, or coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Serve your granola with yogurt (dairy or plant-based) and fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or peaches for a nutritious breakfast.
- Sprinkle granola on top of smoothies or smoothie bowls for added crunch and nutrition.
- Enjoy it on its own as a healthy snack anytime you need a quick energy boost.
- Use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or baked fruit for a delicious crunch
- Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. It can last for 2-4 weeks at room temperature.
- For longer storage, consider keeping it in the refrigerator or freezer. When stored in the freezer, it can last for several months.