Granola is a staple breakfast in our household; usually served with some plant-based yogurt and fresh fruit toppings. But ask anybody who has made their own granola before, and they'll tell you that it's SO much better than pre-made granola you can buy in shops. Not only does it taste better, but it's healthier, and you can personalise it based on your tastes. Once you try this one, you'll never want to go back.
This recipe is really easy to make - no unnecessary ingredients or complicated steps. Just mix the ingredients and bake. Plus, it makes a great gift too! I like to bake a big batch around holidays like christmas, and then divide it into small, personal jars to give to friends and family members. It's a really nice homemade gift that they are sure to appreciate, and once they try it, it may even convince them to start making their own granola from scratch too!
I like my granola to be packed full of nuts, seeds and dried fruit, and the orange and cinnamon in this recipe add a subtle, but really great flavour that seems especially appropriate in the autumn and winter months. Don't let this limit you though - this recipe is super versitile, meaning that you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at hand. It also (intentionally) makes quite a large batch, which means that it should last you a few weeks before you have to make it again - but if you'd like you can easily half the recipe too.
Ingredients
500g jumbo oats
75g almonds
75g walnuts
75g hazelnuts
60 pumpkin seeds
60 sunflower seeds
175g raisins
8 tbsp coconut oil
175ml maple syrup
zest of 1 organic orange (for a more intense orange flavour, increase this to 2 oranges)
2 tsp cinnamon
Method:
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C.
Begin by weighing the nuts in a large bowl, before transfering them to a chopping board. Roughly chop them, aiming for halves to quarters.
Next, weigh the seeds, followed by the oats. Transfer the chopped nuts back into the bowl, and mix.
In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil over a low heat until it becomes liquid.
Pour the oil over the oat and nut mixture, along with the maple syrup, cinnamon and orange zest. Mix the ingredients together until evenly coated.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and transfer the mixture to the tray. Spread out the mixture into a thin layer, filling the entire tray.
Place the tray into the oven, and bake for 45-50 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10-15 minutes to ensure that it bakes evenly and to avoid burning.
When ready, remove the granola from the oven and leave to cool.
Once cooled, mix in the raisins and transfer to an air-tight container.
Serve with plant-based milk or yogurt, and enjoy!
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