The most basic granola consists of a mixture of walnuts, almonds, or other dried fruits with oats and honey that is cooked until crisp. It stands out for being a food that provides a lot of energy, which is why athletes usually consume it. This quality also makes it excellent to eat for breakfast, or as a snack.
These ideas will allow you to prepare your own granola at home. In addition to being much richer and cheaper than the commercial one, you can use the ingredients that you like the most to adapt it to your preferences. You don’t need a recipe, although there are some recommendations to make it better. On the other hand, you won’t need to be an ace in the kitchen to make it, nor will you have to worry about getting strange utensils.
basic ingredients
There are many different versions of granola. However, there are some basic ingredients that are not missing in almost any recipe. The quantities indicated below are an estimate, you can add more or less according to your tastes.
Grains – 3 cups
Most recipes use oats, but you can also use rye or barley. Quinoa is another good option. If you put it raw, to bake along with the other dry ingredients, it will make the granola super crunchy. Alternatively, you can choose wheat germ or bran.
Nuts – 1 to 1 ½ cup
You can choose the ones you like the most. Any of them will be fine. You just have to make sure to chop or slice them so that they are not difficult to eat. Try walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
Sweetener – ½ to ¾ cup
Liquid sweeteners, such as honey or syrup, work best. This is because they cover the mixture evenly, without forming lumps.
Another option is to use brown sugar. This will leave a delicious caramel taste. In any case, you should avoid regular white sugar, as it will not mix well with the rest of the ingredients or add flavor.
Oil – ¼ to ½ cup
This one of the most important ingredients, as it makes the granola crunchy, but not sticky. In addition, it enhances its flavor. Neutral oils, like grapeseed oil, always work well. If you’re up for it, you can use a good extra virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil for a more interesting flavor.
Salt – 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ¾ teaspoon regular table salt
Salt is another important ingredient, as it will make the rest of the flavors pop. That is why it is used a little more than in most pastry recipes.
Optional ingredients In addition to the ingredients that should not be missing in any granola recipe, there are others that you can include to customize your preparation.
Seeds – 1 to 2 cups
If you choose to add them, they will toast when you bake them along with the grains and nuts. Some possible options are pumpkin, sunflower, flax, sesame, and millet. You can combine some of them, just try not to mix too many.Coconut – 1 cup
It will be better if you get coconut that comes in larger pieces than shredded. It will toast better, without burning.
Dried fruits – 1 cup (add after baking)
Some good choices are cherries, blueberries, apricots, or raisins. But you can choose the ones you like the most: fig, apple and pineapple are other alternatives. It is important that you incorporate them after baking the rest of the ingredients. Otherwise, they will be too dry and rubbery.
Spices – 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon is usually used, but there are other options that are also very good. Some of them are cardamom, nutmeg and ginger.
Chocolate – ¼ cup cocoa or 1 cup chips
You can incorporate the cocoa powder along with the rest of the dry ingredients before baking. But if you choose the chocolate chips, it will be better to place them after cooking, when the preparation is already cold. Otherwise, they will melt.
Egg white – 1 egg white
Beat one egg white until foamy and incorporate it along with the rest of the ingredients, replacing part of the oil (2 to 4 tablespoons). Doing this will help bind the different ingredients together and make the granola crunchier.
Preparation
1. Measure grains, nuts, seeds, salt, and spices. Place all these ingredients in a large container.
2. Add the sweetener, oil and egg white.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
4. Spread the preparation on a large oven tray. You can cover this with some parchment paper to prevent the granola from sticking.
5. Cook at 150°c for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. Since every oven is different, you should check the preparation to make sure it doesn’t burn. However, keep in mind that it will only harden when it cools down.
6. When the granola looks golden brown and smells good, turn off the heat and remove from the oven.
7. Incorporate dried fruits.
8. Let it cool completely on the tray and add the chocolate.
9. Store it in an airtight container.
Some possible recipes
These are just a few alternatives. To prepare them, always follow the instructions above. When reviewing the ingredients, remember the options listed above. Go ahead and try the combinations that you like the most to make delicious variations.
Option 1: the most traditional
- 2 cups of oats
- ¼ sweetener
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 cup of nuts
- 1-2 cups of other nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit, seeds, or chopped chocolate
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon flavoring: vanilla, coconut, or almond extract
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon of a spice, such as cinnamon or ginger
Option 2: apple and cinnamon granola
- 3 ½ cups oats
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup applesauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rapeseed or canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped dried apples
Option 3: blueberry and pistachio granola
- 3 cups of oats
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons of water
- ½ tablespoon of salt
- ¾ cup pistachios, lightly chopped
- ¾ cup of chopped coconut
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
Option 4: almond and coconut granola
- 3 cups of oats
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup flax seeds
- 1 ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown rice syrup
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup of almonds
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