healthy(ish) granola

I’m (still) not a morning person and for many years disliked eating breakfast. “Are you kidding me that takes precious time away from hitting snooze!” That coffee and pastry on the way to work gave me the kick (I thought) - when really I knew better. At uni I planned a breakfast programme for elementary schools because latch-key kids often miss out on the meal that sets them up for the day.

Today I choose to break fast later in the morning; not because of intermittent fasting but listening to my body. I’m not a savoury breakfast eater unless I have a lot of time or am on holiday (I do love an egg on avo on sourdough, pad thai or pho).

So my go-to is granola and I make my own. Contrary to the store bought varieties, I pack mine with a variety of nuts and seeds, use non-refined sugars and choose low inflammatory olive oil. Just add milk of your liking or (greek) low or no-fat yogurt. The recipe is inspired by BBC goodFOOD.

DISCLAIMER: The information is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional dietary advice or treatment.

Heat oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl.

300 g porridge oats
50 g desiccated coconut
50 g pumpkin seeds
50 g pecans or walnuts, chopped
50 g cashews or almonds, chopped
50 g sunflower or sesame seeds
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp honey
125 ml maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract or ground mixed spice (or make your own ground spice mix of cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cloves, nutmeg)

Tip the granola onto two baking sheets and spread evenly. Bake for 20-30 mins. Remove and let the granola cool completely to get it’s crunchy consistency.

I usually serve it with more cold milled seeds and berries. Feel free to go with the seasons and mix things up. Serve with either dried or fresh fruit, or dark chocolate chips and cold milk or yogurt. The granola can supposedly be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, but it gets finished in my house before then.

So far this is my favourite, I hope you enjoy it too!