Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo, Pescatarian, Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Serves: 6
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Description

Granola often gets the rep for being a great healthy breakfast option. When you walk down the supermarket aisles you will find a multitude of granolas… but are they actually healthy?

A lot of them are loaded with refined sugar and hydrogenated oils on their ingredients lists, which is why it is always important to check the label.

Full of heart-healthy dietary fats with a touch of natural sugars to satisfy your sweet tooth, here is my take on a nutty granola recipe that consists of delicious nuts and seeds, served with some yummy extras.

*Gut Health Tip – if you find yourself experiencing any sensitivity to any of the dried fruits, avoid these and replace with some fresh berries when you serve up your morning bowl.

If you have time, you can soak all of the nuts and seeds in water to maximise nutrition. Soaking nuts and seeds helps to reduce a substance called phytic acid, which can bind to essential minerals in the food and prevent us from absorbing them. This is beneficial practise if you suffer with digestive concerns. If you want to know how to do this, read my guide on soaking nuts and seeds here.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 cup hazelnuts
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup dessicated coconut
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla powder or 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 7 tbsp coconut oil
• 7 tbsp maple syrup
• ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• ¼ cup goji berries
• 1/3 cup sliced dried apple

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees and line two baking trays with baking parchment.
2. Place the almonds, pecans and hazelnuts into a food processor and blitz for 30 seconds until they are partially crushed.
3. Place the nut mix in a bowl, and then add the sunflower seeds into the processor for a further 30 seconds, before adding into the bowl.
4. Now add in the flaxseed, coconut flakes, desiccated coconut, goji berries and sliced apple, along with the cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Stir through.
5. Melt the coconut oil in a pan on a low heat and mix with the maple syrup. Then pour into the bowl and mix with the other ingredients.
6. Spoon out the granola onto the two baking sheets and spread evenly.
7. Place into the oven for 30-35 minutes and once done, leave on the side to cool. Dish up into breakfast bowls and enjoy with your favourite plant-based milk!