A truly Healthy Granola is one of the most satisfying breakfasts on the planet. Why? Well, despite the crazy-good nutritional benefits, you can whip up a batch in 30 minutes and have breakfast for days.
Whether you live on your own or you’re cooking for your family, preparing breakfast from scratch every morning can often seem like too much hassle. It’s mighty tempting to hit that snooze button and spend an extra ten minutes in bed. Especially when food manufacturers make convenience breakfast food so easy for you to grab and go.
Well, this Healthy Granola could be a solution. All you need is 10 minutes for hands-on prep and 30 minutes of baking time, and then you will have TWENTY portions of homemade breakfast ‘cereal’ available to you.
Also, Granola can double up as a tasty snack or a delicious topping for pancakes, crumbles or porridge. Try adding a handful to my Creamy Custard Porridge for some extra crunch!
A HEALTHY GRANOLA THAT IS 100% REAL FOOD
My aim for this breakfast is to be supremely better for you than the sugar-packed supermarket brands and healthy enough to eat regularly. Therefore, I’ve packed it chock-a-block with some super-nutritious ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
OLD FASHIONED ROLLED OATS
Oats are the basis of this healthy granola. They are heart-happy superstars that can help to lower our cholesterol levels, improve our blood sugar control and keep us fuller for longer. (Source)
NUTS
What makes this a Chunky Nut Healthy Granola are the three kinds of nuts that get thrown in whole. What’s the point in wasting time chopping when you don’t need to! This recipe uses Almonds, Pecans and Hazelnuts (my personal favourites).
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Including magnesium and vitamin E. When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle, nuts can reduce the risk associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. (Source)
UNSWEETENED DESICCATED COCONUT (100% Coconut)
Desiccated coconut is dried grated coconut. But beware! As it comes in a packet, it’s best to check the label to ensure the contents is 100% coconut with no additives.
Desiccated Coconut is a rich source of manganese, dietary fibre, copper and selenium. A combination that can aid in lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, some cancers and infection. (Source)
HEMP HEARTS (Hemp Seeds)
I love adding hemp hearts to this Granola because they enhance the nuttiness we’ve got going on. As well as that, they’re loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and are a high-quality protein source. Therefore, Hemp Hearts are heart-healthy and can be great if you are suffering from dry itchy skin or eczema. Hemp hearts may also aid with digestion. (Source)
PUMPKIN SEEDS (Pepitas)
Pumpkin seeds are another great source of healthy fats, magnesium and zinc. They have been associated with improved heart health, blood sugar levels, fertility and quality of sleep. Furthermore, they may help protect against some cancers. Pumpkin Seeds are also high in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. (Source)
COCONUT OIL
The subtle flavour of coconut oil complements this Granola perfectly. It also brings some exceptional health benefits which include improved brain function and protection for hair, skin and nails. Coconut oil can also support the body in raising good cholesterol levels and promoting fat burning. (Source)
MAPLE SYRUP
Maple Syrup gives us the sweetness we are looking for in a breakfast cereal. But at the same time, it’s loaded with antioxidants, unlike refined sugar. Nonetheless, it is still sugar. With that in mind, this recipe uses just enough to coat the ingredients and provide a just sweet enough crunch. (Source)
To ensure you benefit from the best that Maple Syrup can offer, buy a high-quality ‘pure’ product and avoid misleading labels like “Maple Flavoured Syrups”. Don’t know? Check the label.
RAISINS
People seem to have a love-hate relationship with these little flavour bombs. But, as they’re jam-packed with fibre, can aid digestion and support bone strength, they’ve got my vote. (Source)
SALT
Salt often gets a bad rap. Why? Because it’s used in excess which contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease. But that being said, we need to get the balance right because consuming too little salt can also be harmful to us.
Salt contains essential minerals that help to balance fluid in the body and supports our muscle function.
Ever notice, after a few weeks of being on a restrictive diet you start getting leg cramps? Well, I certainly did. For me, it was a lack of salt or more importantly, the lack of minerals having an impact. (Source)
In this recipe, I use Himalayan Pink Salt as it minimally processed and contains a bucket load more minerals than table salt. You can also use fine sea salt.
HOW DO YOU MAKE CHUNKY NUT HEALTHY GRANOLA?
Check out the below step-by-step instructions, or scroll down to find the printable recipe card.
STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3/ 325°F/ 170°C/ Fan 150°C
Prepare your ingredients and get your equipment ready.
Line a baking tray with baking paper (baking parchment).
Melt your coconut oil by zapping it in the microwave for 20 seconds on high.
Put all the ingredients except for the raisins into a mixing bowl.
Stir the ingredients until everything is well coated with the melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
Pour the mixture onto the lined baking tray, and spread evenly, pressing it firmly as you go.
Place the baking tray on the middle shelf in the oven for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the baking tray from the oven and give the granola a good mix. This will prevent the oats from burning at the edges of the tray and encourage an even bake.
Place the baking tray back in the oven for a further 15 minutes or until the oats are all a deliciously golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.
Once the granola is completely cool, add the raisins. Give everything one final mix.
Transfer the granola into an airtight jar or container where it will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks.
I like to serve this Granola with full-fat Greek yoghurt and fresh berries.
Chunky Nut Healthy Granola
EQUIPMENT
- Weighing Scales, Measuring Spoons
- Small Microwaveable Bowl (to melt the coconut oil)
- Baking Tray
- Baking Paper (Parchment)
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
INGREDIENTS
- 20 g Coconut Oil Melted
- 300 g Rolled Oats
- 100 g Desiccated Coconut
- 100 ml Maple Syrup
- 60 g Hemp Hearts
- 50 g Pecan Nuts
- 50 g Hazelnuts
- 50 g Almonds
- 40 g Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 tsp Salt
- 50 g Raisins
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare all your ingredients and get your equipment ready. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3/ 325°F/ 170°C/ Fan 150°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper (baking parchment). Melt the coconut oil by zapping it in the microwave for 20 seconds on high.
- Put all the ingredients EXCEPT for the raisins into a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the mixture is coated in melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
- Pour the oat mixture onto the lined baking tray and spread out evenly, pressing down firmly as you go. Place the baking tray in the oven on the middle shelf for 30 minutes, tossing the mixture once halfway through cooking. Once the oats are evenly golden brown, remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.
- Once the Granola has completely cooled, add the raisins and stir well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container.
NOTES
NUTRITION
I hope you LOVE this recipe as much as I do!
And, if you do get the chance to give this Chunky Nut Healthy Granola at try, please drop me a note in the comment section and provide star rating. I’d love to know what you think.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
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