Homemade granola is a versatile and customizable breakfast option or snack. By making granola at home, one can control the ingredients and their quality, ensuring a healthier and tailored fit to personal preferences. It can be consumed on its own, paired with milk or yogurt, or even sprinkled over smoothies.
Nutritional Information (per 100g): (Note: This is a generic profile; actual values will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 20g
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- Seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds)
- Natural sweeteners (e.g., honey, maple syrup)
- Optional additions: dried fruits, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, spices (like cinnamon or vanilla)
What it is good for:
- Quick breakfast option.
- Snacking on-the-go.
- Energy booster due to its mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
- Source of dietary fiber, especially if using whole rolled oats.
How to Use:
- Can be eaten plain as a snack.
- Pair with milk, almond milk, or any other milk alternatives.
- Mix with yogurt for a fulfilling breakfast bowl.
- Sprinkle over smoothies or fruit salads.
Recipe Idea – Basic Homemade Granola: Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruits (add after baking)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, ensuring the oat mixture is well coated.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool. The granola will get crunchier as it cools.
- Once cool, add dried fruits if desired.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (if not using honey or other animal-based ingredients)
- Gluten-Free (ensure oats are certified gluten-free if required)
Note: Homemade granola, while healthier than many store-bought options, can still be high in calories and sugars, especially if a lot of sweeteners or high-fat ingredients are added. It’s always a good idea to consume in moderation. Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.
