What is Granola?
Granola is made from oats, nuts, seeds, berries or cocoa and sweeteners. It can be served as a cereal with milk, used as a topping for yogurt or fruit, or eaten as a snack on its own. One of the great things about granola is that it is highly customizable, so you can add a variety of different ingredients to give it your own unique flavour.
Different ways of Flavouring Granola:
- Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, cherries, and chopped apricots are all delicious in granola. You can also try using candied ginger or diced dates for a slightly sweeter, more exotic flavour.
- Nuts and seeds: Chopped nuts and seeds add crunch and flavour to granola. Popular options include almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of ground ginger can add warmth and depth to the flavour of granola. Other options include ground cloves, nutmeg, and allspice for a unique and aromatic flavour.
- Sweeteners: Granola is often sweetened with jaggery, maple syrup, or brown sugar. You can use any of these sweeteners, or experiment with adding a little bit of molasses or agave nectar for a different flavour.
- Extracts: A splash of vanilla extract or almond extract can add a lot of flavour to granola. You can also try using other extracts, such as peppermint or orange, to give your granola a unique twist.
Make Flavoured Granola even more flavourful:
- Chocolate: A handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder can add a rich, chocolatey flavour to your granola.
- Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes or shredded coconut add a tropical twist to granola.
- Nut butters: Mixing a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter into your granola mixture before baking can give it a creamy, nutty flavour.
- Zests: Grating a little bit of citrus zest (such as lemon or orange) into your granola mixture before baking can add a bright and refreshing flavour.
- Dried herbs: Dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme can add a savoury twist to granola.
Tip: Remember to always taste your granola mixture before baking it, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. The key to making delicious granola is to have fun and be creative!
Simple Recipe for Easy Homemade Granola:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/2 cup seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
- 1/3 cup jaggery or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup coconut flakes, 1/2 cup nut butter or seed butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweetener, oil, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely.
- If using, stir in the dried fruit, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or nut butter.
- Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Tip: If you don't have the time or ingredients to make your own granola, there are many options available to purchase pre-made granola. When purchasing granola, look for those which are made with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and is free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives.. There are many different brands and flavours of granola available, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste and dietary needs. Some popular brands of granola include Hachi and True Elements.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, granola is a versatile and tasty food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is easy to make at home and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit your own personal taste. With so many options for flavouring granola, the possibilities are endless! Whether you prefer sweet and fruity, spicy and warm, or nutty and savoury, there is a granola recipe out there for you. Enjoy your homemade granola!