With this new granola recipe, I took a few tips from my previous gluten free granola recipe, with an emphasis on it being more nutrient dense, and grain free. Keep in mind, Quinoa is not a grain but a seed. Even rolled and dried to create a "quinoa flake" it still carries all the nutrients of whole Quinoa.
We have been eating this granola for a snack, but most times we serve it on top of a bowl of homemade organic yogurt. I use this recipe here - great info and recipe on how to make organic lactose free yogurt at home.
You could certainly play around with the ingredients in this recipe - we used the ones listed below based on personal taste/preference. Also, for a sweeter granola increase honey to 2/3 cup. All the ingredients used in this recipe are organic.
1 cup raw cashews
1 cup raw walnuts
1/2 raw sunflower seeds
3/4 cups raw split peanuts
3/4 cup raw sliced almonds
1 cup Quinoa flakes
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
5 Tblsp. ground flax seed
3 Tblsp. sesame seeds
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 rounded tsp. powdered ginger
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup cranberries
1/4 butter - melted
1/2 cup honey, melted with the butter
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
First add the cashews and walnuts to a food processor - pulse a few times just to chop up. Add to a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients except the butter and honey to the bowl, and mix well. Melt the butter and honey on low heat in a small sauce pan. Then pour over the granola mixing well. Transfer to a large baking sheet spreading out evenly and bake for 1 hour tossing the granola 3-4 times for the duration of the cooking time.
Remove from oven and allow to cool, then transfer to a tightly sealed jar or bowl.
I adore homemade granola, Ina, and yours is chock full of good ingredients! I would not have thought to add peanuts or sesame seeds. I'm intrigued by the crunch and flavor they must add. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us!
Shirley
Thanks Shirley! It has great crunch, and is surprisingly filling - always a good thing if you are on the go! 🙂