My Go-To Homemade Granola

My Go-To Homemade Granola isn't just a hit in our home because of its irresistible taste. It quickly vanishes from the pantry, especially when my son gets a whiff of it! Beyond its delightful flavour, this granola stands out as a nutritional superstar. Let's delve into the benefits of the ingredients that make it such a beloved staple.

Rolled Oats are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. They can help reduce blood sugar levels, and their beta-glucans promote healthy gut bacteria.

Puffed Quinoa or Puffed Rice,  Quinoa, often referred to as the "mother of all grains," is gluten-free and packed with protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids. On the other hand, puffed rice is light and easily digestible.

Buckwheat Groats,  despite the name, buckwheat is gluten-free and is a good source of protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals, especially magnesium, which plays a role in over 600 cellular reactions in our body.

Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds, these seeds are nutrient-dense. Pumpkin seeds are known for their magnesium, iron, zinc, and protein content. Sunflower seeds, rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, also provide a healthy dose of copper, which is beneficial for bone health and energy production.

Unsweetened Shredded Coconut and Sesame Seeds both are great for healthy fats. Coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be beneficial for brain health, while sesame seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.

Cacao Nibs is chocolate in its purest form. Packed with antioxidants, they offer mood-enhancing benefits and can boost energy.

Raisins, or Cranberries, are natural sweeteners; these dried fruits also offer dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They're particularly rich in beneficial plant compounds, which have antioxidant properties.

With this kind of nutrient profile, it's no wonder this granola doesn't last long in our pantry.

So, grab your apron and let's get cooking! 

Homemade Granola Recipe

(Makes about 8 cups)

Ingredients:

• 5 cups gluten-free rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 2 cups puffed quinoa or puffed rice (unsweetened)
• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ cup extra virgin coconut oil (measure before melting)
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup cacao nibs (add after baking)
• 1 cup raisins or cranberries (add after baking; if they're stuck together, toss them in a bit of arrowroot starch to prevent sticking before adding to the mixture)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients up to the cinnamon.
4. In a small pot over low heat, melt the coconut oil and maple syrup together until the coconut oil is fully melted.
5. Pour the melted coconut oil and maple syrup mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well-coated.
6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes. Stir the mixture and then bake for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want the granola to look toasty. If not, bake for an extra 5 minutes until it reaches your desired level of "toastiness."
7. Once done, transfer the granola back to the large mixing bowl and add in the cacao nibs and raisins or cranberries. Stir to combine.
8. Allow the granola to cool, then store it in an airtight container. Be warned, it won't last long!

There you have it – a granola recipe that's as nutritious as it is delicious. I challenge you to make it and experience the burst of flavours and benefits it brings.

Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below. If you added your own twist, share it with us! And if you're diving deeper into nutrition or seeking advice on sustainable weight loss, reach out anytime.