During a crisis, sometimes benign and routine actions keep us grounded and nourished so we are available to fight for justice.

In these moments I go back to food staples that use items already in my pantry. Something that will provide shelf-stable and easy nourishment.

Today that’s granola. It’s a simple and incredibly versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted based on your needs.

 

The Formula: Oats + Add Ins + Fat + Sweet + (touch of salt)

Follow the basic structure but try any combination of your favorites. Or do what guides most of my cooking and use whatever you have! 

Oats: gluten free always an option

This recipe uses rolled oats.  For more information about different types of oats check out our Overnight Oat Bar recipe.

Add Ins

• Nuts: walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, pecans, or sliced almonds
• Seeds: sunflower, hemp, sesame, or chia
• Dried Fruit: cranberries, apricots, cherries, blueberries, or coconut 

Fat (choose one)

• Coconut oil
• Butter
• Olive oil

Sweetener (choose one, or play around with a combo)

• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave

Pinch of salt

Homemade Granola

Ingredients

• 3-4 cups rolled oats (not quick-oats)
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• ½ cup raw pistachios
• ½ olive oil
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup dried apricots

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Our goal is to lightly toast the oat mixture and bind the sweeteners into clumps. This happens by keeping the granola at a low temperature and baking it slowly. 

Combine the oats, nuts, oil, maple syrup, and dry spices in a large bowl. Use a spatula to scrape the sides so the mixture is evenly coated. 

Press the mixture onto the baking sheet trying to keep the oats in clusters if you  that is preference.

Bake for about 20 min, check the baking sheet and turn it t for an even toast. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the oats are golden brown and pleasantly wafting into your cooking space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cool on a counter/cooling rack and sprinkle the dried fruit on top. Letting the residual heat soften and almost caramelize the granola into clusters.

Let the pan sit until fully cooled (incredible important especially if you like clustered granola)!

Transfer to a big jar or well-sealed reusable container. Store at room temperature. 

Enjoy with yogurt, kefir, fruit, or however you like your granola (see below photo for serving suggestion)!

After enjoying this delicious granola, then feel free to try our Baked Apple Oat-Granola Bars.