why make this recipe
Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola is a delicious and nutritious snack that is easy to prepare at home. This granola is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, quinoa, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. It’s not only rich in healthy fats and protein but also offers a delightful crunch and taste. Making your granola allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring there are no artificial additives or excessive sugars. Plus, it makes for a great breakfast topping or a handy on-the-go snack!
how to make Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola
Ingredients:
- 2 cups organic old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger (optional)
- Dash of clove (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a food processor, add oats, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Roughly chop them 2-3 times. You can also chop them by hand if you prefer. Set this mixture aside in a mixing bowl.
- Toast the quinoa over low heat until it is golden and fragrant. You will know it’s ready when you start to hear a popping sound.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together and heat on low for a couple of minutes until combined. Remove from heat and stir in the arrowroot powder.
- Add the toasted quinoa to the bowl with the chopped oats, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Then, add the pumpkin spice, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Pour the pumpkin puree mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of granola is coated.
- Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet, making sure it’s in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. If you like chocolate, add some chocolate chunks now and place the granola in the freezer for 10 minutes to harden.
- Afterward, break up the granola with a fork, keeping some big clusters if you can, and enjoy!
how to serve Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola
You can serve Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola in several ways! Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt. It can also be a great topping for smoothies or oatmeal. If you want a snack, eat it as is or mix it with some dried fruits or dark chocolate for extra sweetness.
how to store Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola
To store your Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also refrigerate it, where it can last for about a month.
tips to make Healthy Pumpkin Seed Granola
- If you want more clumps in your granola, try pressing the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. You can add more cinnamon or try other spices like nutmeg for a different flavor.
- You can swap out the almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts based on your taste.
variation
For a variation, consider adding different seeds such as sunflower or chia seeds. You can also incorporate different nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Yes! You can simply omit the almonds or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds to keep it nut-free.
Q: How do I make it vegan?
A: The recipe is already vegan-friendly, as it uses maple syrup and coconut oil instead of honey or butter.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will make it not vegan.