Okay, sunshine lovers, let's talk breakfast! I know, I know, the idea of cooking when the sun is out and the birds are putting on a symphony is, shall we say, less than appealing. You'd rather be lounging in a hammock with a cool drink, and honestly, I don't blame you! But, work (and maybe a tiny bit of healthy guilt) calls, so here I am, bringing you a breakfast that's as blissful as a day at the beach – without any of the actual beach-going effort.
I present to you: the ultimate healthy granola recipe. This isn't your average sugar-laden, oil-slicked granola, folks. Oh no, we're doing things differently here. We're talking zero added sugar, zero oil, just pure, wholesome goodness. (Okay, I did sneak in some stem ginger, which you can swap for any other dried fruit because I'm a rebel like that). This granola is the perfect way to usher all the seasonal fruit from your gardens to your mouths and if you like to keep up with the latest health trends this is also the perfect canvas to add things such as protein powder etc.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: 'Sugar-free granola? Is that even possible?' And to that I say, absolutely! I am a bit of a granola fiend, and when I make the sugary stuff, I eat it all immediately. This version allows me to indulge in my favourite breakfast without any sugar guilt. I've been enjoying this with dollops of coconut yoghurt and a handful of vibrant strawberries and let me tell you, tastebuds are singing and the need for Maple syrup is nowhere to be found.
This granola is the perfect fuel for your morning activities. Especially good after a morning run! I know getting up early is like climbing Everest for some of us (me included, a night owl at heart). But picture this: you drag yourself out of bed before the heat hits, conquer a 5K and return to this crunchy, delightful breakfast. It's a reward worth waking up for.
So, ditch the sugar rushes and join me on this healthy granola journey. Your body (and tastebuds) will thank you.
Yields: 4 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 120g mashed ripe banana (about 1/2 cup)
- 15g ground flax seeds or chia seeds (2 tbsp)
- 25g runny almond butter (2 tbsp) (or any nut/seed butter)
- 170g rolled jumbo oats (2 cups) (gluten-free if needed)
- 50g chopped almonds (1/2 cup) (or other nuts/seeds)
- 50g chopped pecans (1/2 cup) (or other nuts/seeds)
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Optional: 50g diced stem ginger or other dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 130°C (265°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed banana, ground flax seeds, and almond butter. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Spread the mixture on the baking tray. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping after 20 minutes, breaking up any large clusters very gently.
- Let the granola cool completely before eating. It will crisp up. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- This granola is not very sweet, if you want it sweeter, you can substitute some banana for maple syrup, agave, or sprinkle with coconut sugar after baking
- For extra crunch, you can add coconut flakes and seeds, if you like this idea you can also add them after baking to avoid burning.
Nutritional Information (per cup)
- Calories: 437
- Sugars: 5g
- Fats: 23g
- Saturates: 2g
- Proteins: 12g
- Carbs: 51g
Happy crunching, friends! Let me know how you enjoy this delicious and healthy recipe in the comments below.