Courtney's Protein-Packed Super Seed Granola

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Latest batch of Granola, deconstructed. (from left to right, top to bottom): oats, walnuts, amaranth, ground flaxseed, nutmeg, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds, wheat germ, cardamom, ginger, coconut oil, orange zes…

Latest batch of Granola, deconstructed. (from left to right, top to bottom): oats, walnuts, amaranth, ground flaxseed, nutmeg, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds, wheat germ, cardamom, ginger, coconut oil, orange zest, blackstrap molasses, maple syrup. 

I really enjoy making and eating my own granola for a multitude of reasons.  I've listed a few below

1)  Easy to Make

It's easier than you think.  Less than an hour from gathering the ingredients to pulling it out of the oven.  Depending on your batch size and if you decide to share or not, you'll have enough for a week or so.   

2) I Know What's in There  

When it's homemade, you have the ability to hand-pick each and every ingredient with love and care.  Sure, you could buy granola from the store, but chances are that along with the healthy oats and nuts, you'll also be getting a ton of added sugar, less than desirable oils, arificial colors and flavors, and hard to pronounce perservitives to extend shelf-life.

3) So Nutritious! 

Homemade granola is packed full of nutrient-dense good-for-you Vitamins and Minerals that help your body function in tip-top shape.  Plant-based protein, Healthy Fats, Omega-3s, and lots of fiber keep you fuller longer and prevent unnecessary mid-morning snacking.   

4) Quick Breakfast  

Starting your day with a healthy food choice makes you more likely to continue with the smart decision-making trend for the rest of the day.  Combine your granola with some plain yougurt (opt for those with live and active culyured in the 10 and 20B range for optimal probiotic power.  Check out kefir or skyr) and chopped-up fresh fruit to throw on top.  Or eat it like cereal by pouring your favorite kind of milk on top. 

5) Simple Economics

You'll be saving lots of dinero ($$$ Cha-ching!) by purchasing all the wholsome ingredients you need in bulk.  Yes, nuts and seeds are a bit pricy, but in the long-run it will be so much cheaper than buying over-priced, store-bought concoctions.  Plus, instead of only a couple of measly servings, you'll have granola all week!  

6) Be Creative

It's fun to try different variations.  It's nearly impossible to replicate the same batch of granola twice.  The possibilities of ingredient and flavor combos are endless!  If you want to depart from the traditional sweet version, you could even get a little crazy and make it savory by switching up the oil and spices, and omitting the sweetner.  Go a head, be a Granola rebel!   

Here's my go-to, super-flexible framework of a recipe:

Courtney's Granola Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 - 1 1/2 cups nuts of your choice, chopped, slivered, or sliced
  • 1 - 2 cups seeds (any combo you want: pumpkin, sunflower, ground flax, chia, amaranth,  sesame…)
  • 1-2 tsp citrus zest (if you want, lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime)
  • 1/2 - 2 tsp spices of your choice (any combo, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric…)
  • 1/2 cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, brown rice syrup, molasses, agave)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup oil (melted coconut, grape seed, olive, canola)
  • 1 cup chopped dried fruit - Optional, Add AFTER baking (goji berries, raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs) 

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients (except dried fruit) into a big bowl and stir, stir, stir to combine
  • Spread out evenly on a foil-lined baking sheet (or two for a bigger batch)
  • Bake at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Give it a good stir to prevent burning and then return to the oven for another 15 or 20 minutes, until it's toasty brown smells amazing.

Enjoy!  Feel free to comment with your own granola sucesses and creations in the comments.

Spread the Health!