Toasting Your Way to Flavor: A Simple Granola Recipe for Every Occasion
The beauty of homemade granola lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a crunchy topping for yogurt and desserts, granola is the perfect choice. It’s an adaptable recipe that allows you to incorporate your favorite ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Steps to Making Toasted Granola
Start with a base of roughly chopped almonds. Using a sharp knife, chop 150 grams of almonds on your bench, allowing you to maintain a coarse crumb instead of reducing them to a powder. Avoid using a blender, as it can be overly aggressive, resulting in a finer texture than desired. Once the almonds are prepared, transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Next, add a generous 425 grams of rolled oats to the bowl, creating the foundation of your granola. Follow this with 65 grams of pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, which add a subtle crunch and a nutritional boost. Season the mixture with 3 grams of ground cinnamon and 5 grams of sea salt flakes, essential for enhancing flavor and balance. Combine the dry ingredients using clean hands, ensuring the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the mix.
Now, turn your attention to the wet ingredients that will bind your granola together. Melt 115 grams of coconut oil in the microwave and pour it over the dry mixture. Add 80 milliliters of real maple syrup—providing natural sweetness—and 7 grams of vanilla extract, which adds depth and aromatic complexity. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each oat and nut is evenly coated, achieving a sticky and cohesive texture that defines excellent granola.
Baking Your Granola
With your mixture ready, spread it evenly onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Spray a bit of oil on the tray to secure the parchment and prevent any movement. Be sure to scrape every last bit of syrup and coconut oil from the mixing bowl onto the tray, as these carry the essence of flavor. Once spread, ensure the layer isn’t too thick and clumpy to promote even toasting.
Bake the granola in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. After the initial bake, stir the mixture, bringing the less toasted bottom layers to the surface. This step guarantees an even, golden toast throughout. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 minutes.
After 20 minutes, sprinkle 45 grams of shredded coconut over the granola. Stir again to incorporate the coconut, distributing it evenly. Adding coconut towards the end is crucial, as it ensures a light toast without the risk of burning, which can occur if added too early due to its thinness.
Return the granola to the oven for a final 7-minute toast. This step is key to achieving the desired crispness and golden color. Once completed, remove the granola and allow it to cool for 30 to 40 minutes. Cooling is essential, enabling the granola to set and develop its characteristic crunch.
Adding the Final Touches
To finish your granola, mix in 70 grams of dried cranberries after it has cooled. This not only introduces a chewy texture but also infuses a tangy sweetness that complements the toasted flavors. Ensure the cranberries are well distributed, using your hands to separate any clumps that may have formed.
A batch of granola typically yields 900 grams, which equates to approximately 180 grams per serving. This translates to about 1 and 1/4 cups per portion, perfect for storing and portioning for future use. Keep your granola in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dark place, where it can remain fresh for up to two weeks. However, its deliciousness might tempt you to finish it even sooner.
When ready to serve, enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, or as part of a parfait with fresh berries. To elevate the presentation, consider adding a garnish of fresh mint, which adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Enjoying Your Homemade Granola
This homemade granola is not only simple to prepare but also exudes a blend of flavors that satisfy a myriad of taste preferences. The perfect balance of ingredients ensures that each bite is flavorful without being overpowering. The salt balances with the sweetness of the maple syrup, while the richness of the coconut oil ties everything together in a harmonious blend.
This toasted granola recipe is a testament to how simplicity can yield delicious results. It’s all about allowing each ingredient to shine, creating a snack or meal component that fits effortlessly into your daily routine. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or on-the-go, this granola is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Make easy, flavorful toasted granola at home with our simple recipe. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it’s customizable and can be stored for up to two weeks.
