Homemade Granola
I would like to make a note for anyone dealing with gut issues or working on healing where digestion may be a concern. Nuts and seeds can be difficult to break down for some individuals (I know they were for me when I was dealing with Crohns Disease. If this is the case for you, soaking them in filtered water with a little bit of salt can help neutralize enzyme inhibitors and phytates and make them easier to digest. If you decide to soak them, the cooking/drying time will be greater. Feel free to use a dehydrator if you have one or simply increase the cooking time in 10 minute increments until the granola is dry/golden brown.
**Feel free to add any combination of nuts/seeds. Buy them in bulk for more affordability! I linked the ones that i purchase.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp ground flax seeds OR chia seeds
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp coconut or avocado oil
2 Tbsp nut butter
3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
3 Tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 cup grain of your choice (millet, buckwheat groats, or oats)
1/2 cup shredded coconut or slivered almonds
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
sprinkle of sea salt
Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix water and flax or chia seeds. Set aside.
Add the maple syrup, oil, and nut butter to a small saucepan. Warm on medium heat, stirring with a whisk until it starts bubbling a good bit. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick to the pan! Set aside.
While the syrup is cooking, combine the seeds, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a food processor and process until everything is ground in tiny crumbles.
Stir in the maple syrup mixture, grain of your choice, coconut and soaked flax or chia seeds. Spread a thin layer onto the baking sheets. Wet your fingers and use your hands to press it down if it gets too messy.
Bake for 12 minutes, stir/flip the granola. If using two oven racks, rotate the pans so they cook evenly. Bake for another 12 minutes. Add more time in 2-3 minute increments if needed until the granola is lightly browned. It will harden as it cools.
Let cool completely before breaking up and storing. If adding dried fruit, add that and store in an airtight container or bag, you can also freeze it if you want!
For more easy, healthy food ideas, find me on Instagram @yourtruepeace or join the Facebook group Your True Peace
With love, Amanda