Switch up Your Breakfast Routine with Homemade Nut Granola

Crispy granola is a great addition to yoghurts or milk, making it perfect for a grab-and-go second breakfast. Instead of settling for store-bought products that can be disappointing regarding ingredients, why not try a simple recipe for homemade granola? It's not only much healthier but also tastier.

Cereal is a popular choice not just for children but adults, too, thanks to its convenience as a quick breakfast option. For a more nutritious alternative, switch regular cereal for crispy granola. This easy recipe boasts only natural ingredients and is rich in fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins.

Granola is crispy, easy to prepare, and, above all, very tasty. There are many ways to enjoy it—with milk, yoghurt, a plant-based drink, or even on its own as a snack. It can also be a great addition to oatmeal, smoothies, cakes, muesli bars, and many other dishes.

Granola is made from a mix of cereal flakes (commonly oats, though wheat flakes are also used), dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, all bound together with honey, syrup, or another sweetener, and baked until it's crispy and golden. A reliable oven evenly distributes the heat and ensures it turns crispy while keeping it light.

Granola is an excellent source of fibre, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. It also contains vital vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats essential for the body's optimal functioning.

The recipe is straightforward. You can use what you already have in your kitchen. The base is oats, enhanced with nuts, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, or dried fruits. Oats are a good source of fibre and beta-glucan, which can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or date syrup bind the granola together and add a delicious sweetness. Store-bought versions often contain excessive amounts of sugar or, worse, high-fructose corn syrup. Making your granola at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and can also be more economical.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of mountain oats,
• 1 cup of chopped walnuts,
• 1/2 cup of chopped almonds,
• 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds,
• 1/4 cup of flaxseed,
• 1/4 cup of coconut flakes,
• 1/4 cup of raisins,
• 3 tablespoons of honey,
• 1/4 cup of melted butter,
• 1/2 flat teaspoon of salt,
• a pinch of cinnamon.

How to prepare:

1. Mix oats, chopped walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, coconut flakes, and raisins in a large bowl.
2. Mix butter, honey, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing well to ensure all the oats are evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more honey.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making a thin layer.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes in an oven preheated to 180 degrees Celsius, stirring every 5-10 minutes to ensure even browning.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the tray.

Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!