Everything but the kitchen sink granola

This granola is my absolute favorites. While the ingredients list may seem long, it’s just full of goodness. I have another granola recipe on my website here, be sure to give that one a try. 

Granola offers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to add to protein-rich yogurt. To make your own yogurt. While store-bought varieties are convenient, crafting your own homemade granola allows you to customize flavors, control ingredients, and maximize nutritional benefits. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of homemade granola, with a special focus on the addition of buckwheat groats, offering a unique twist and a plethora of health benefits.

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats: A rich source of fiber, oats help regulate digestion, support heart health, and provide a steady release of energy throughout the day.
• Buckwheat groats: Despite its name, buckwheat is not a wheat but a gluten-free seed rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, and antioxidants. Buckwheat offers a nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to your granola.
• Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds): Packed with healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, nuts and seeds contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add a touch of sweetness without the refined sugars found in many commercial granolas. They also provide antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
• Coconut oil or Olive Oil: A healthier alternative to processed oils, coconut and Olive oils adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can boost energy and support weight management.
• Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots): Sweet and chewy, dried fruits lend natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to your granola while providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Benefits of Homemade Buckwheat Granola:

1. Nutrient-Dense: Buckwheat groats are nutritional powerhouses, offering a diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in magnesium, which plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health.
2. Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, buckwheat is an excellent gluten-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
3. Heart Health: Oats, nuts, and seeds are all heart-healthy ingredients that can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and promote overall cardiovascular wellness.
4. Sustained Energy: The combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in homemade granola, including buckwheat groats, provides sustained energy, keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.
5. Versatility: Homemade granola is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a sweeter blend with dried fruits or a more savory mix with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the possibilities are endless.

Everything But the kitchen sink granola

Carmen Mbwana

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Ingredients

  

• 3 cups organic oats
• 1 1/2 cups Nuts- Cashews, Almonds, Pecans or a combo rough chopped
• 1 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds & Sunflower seeds combines
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup flax seeds
• 1/2 cup buckwheat groats can substitute for Sorghum
• 1/2 cup Raisins, Craisins or dried blueberries
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1-2 tsp ceylon cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

 

• Pre heat oven to 325° Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix dry ingredients together (except for the coconut flakes) in a bowl.
• Melt coconut oil or skip if using Olive Oil. Mix together with syrup or honey, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Pour liquid over dry ingredients and mix.
• Everything except for the coconut flakes should be mixed into the bowl. Stir to coat completley.
• Pour onto baking sheet.
• Bake 20 mins, add coconut flakes and turn pan. Bake for another 10minutes- top should look golden. Allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight glass container. Store room temperature for 2 weeks or freeze up to 6months