This isn’t just any granola—it's a nutrient-packed, customizable treat that outshines any store-bought version. When you make granola at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring a healthy, tasty, and satisfying snack or meal.
Why Homemade Granola?
Store-bought granola often contains high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. By making your own, you can choose wholesome ingredients that boost nutrition without compromising flavor. Plus, it's a fun and easy way to include superfoods and adaptogens in your diet.
Super Boosting Ingredients
This is my go-to homemade superfood granola recipe, which includes a variety of superfoods known for their health benefits:
Chia Seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein, chia seeds help keep you full and energized.
Flax Seeds: Another great source of omega-3s, flax seeds also contain lignans and fiber, promoting digestive health.
Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in magnesium, iron, and zinc, pumpkin seeds also have properties that help prevent gastrointestinal worms.
Cacao Nibs: These little pieces of raw chocolate are rich in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium.
Ashwagandha: An Ayurvedic superfood, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and anxiety, boost brain function, and improve energy levels.
Hemp Seeds: These seeds are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids, along with healthy fats and minerals.
You can also add a variety of nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews to boost the protein content. When baked, these nuts become deliciously roasted and add a satisfying crunch to your granola.
Alesha's Favorite Granola Recipe
Here's how we make our favorite granola. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
3 cups cut oats
3 cups whole oats (or gluten-free oats)
6 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
3 tablespoons Ashwagandha powder
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup almonds
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil (liquid)
1/2 cup honey (or maple/agave syrup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15 minutes, then stir well.
Bake for another 12 minutes, stir, then bake for another 10 minutes, stirring well between each interval.
Continue this process, reducing the baking time each round, until the granola reaches your desired level of toastiness.
Let the granola cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored for several weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This granola is our go-to summer breakfast for the kids. They love it with Bio Natural or Greek yogurt and fresh berries or chocolate chips for an extra sweet indulgence.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste and nutritional needs. Some suggestions include:
Dried fruits: raisins, cranberries, apricots
Spices: nutmeg, ginger, allspice
Other nuts/seeds: pistachios, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts
Sweeteners: brown sugar, coconut sugar, molasses
Enjoy creating your personalized granola blend, and don’t hesitate to share your favorite combinations with us in the comments!
Happy granola making!
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