Are you tired of eating store-bought granola filled with artificial ingredients and excessive amounts of sugar? Look no further because today, I will teach you how to make a delicious and nutritious homemade granola using simple, natural ingredients.
First on the list, we have whole oats, a staple ingredient in granola. Not only are they a great source of fiber, but they also contain important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Next, we have a variety of nuts including almonds, macadamia nuts, and pecans. These nuts not only give a satisfying crunch to our granola, but they also provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
Adding some pumpkin seeds to the mix not only gives a boost of deliciousness but also provides important nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they add a lovely pop of green to our mix.
To spice things up a bit, we will be incorporating some warming spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Not only do they add a nice flavor, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.
For some fruity sweetness, we will be using the zest and juice of one orange. This ingredient not only adds a burst of citrus flavor but also provides vitamin C and antioxidants.
Now for some unexpected ingredients, we will be using cayenne and black pepper. Don’t worry, the granola won’t be spicy but these ingredients add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
To bind everything together, we will be using a mixture of maple syrup, molasses, and coconut oil. These natural sweeteners add a rich sweetness to our granola without the use of refined sugars.
To finish off our mix, we will be incorporating some unsweetened coconut and golden raisins. These ingredients not only add texture but also provide extra nutrients such as healthy fats and iron.
To make this homemade granola, simply mix all the ingredients together, spread it out on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Not only is this homemade granola much healthier than store-bought versions, but it’s also customizable. You can add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits to make it your own.
Enjoy this homemade granola with your favorite milk, yogurt, or even as a topping for smoothie bowls. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to start your day with a nutritious and wholesome breakfast. So, go ahead and give this homemade granola recipe a try and you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!
Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole oats
- 1 cup almonds, roughly chopped You just need 3 cups of raw nuts, It can all be the same or whatever mix you like.
- 1 cup brazile nuts, roughly chopped Some other nut choices can be macadamia or walnut.
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds Or sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 orange, the zest, and juice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the whole oats, chopped almonds, macadamia nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- In a small saucepan, heat the orange juice, grated ginger, turmeric, raisins, vanilla extract, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, maple syrup, molasses, and coconut oil over medium heat. Stir until well combined and the coconut oil is melted.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, Mix in the coconut at this point and press down flat.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely. As it cools, the granola will become more crunchy.
- Store the homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy your delicious and nutritious homemade granola on top of yogurt, with milk, or as a snack on its own