Homemade Granola Recipe

Granola is a popular breakfast cereal made from rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. It is often consumed with milk or yogurt, and can also be added to recipes as a topping or ingredient.

There are several health benefits associated with consuming granola:

• Rich in nutrients: Granola is a good source of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.
• May aid in weight management: The fiber and protein in granola can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which may lead to eating less overall and assisting in weight management.
• Good for heart health: The nuts and seeds in granola contain heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3s and monounsaturated fats, which may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• May improve digestion: The high fiber content in granola can help promote regular bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.
• Can be a good source of antioxidants: Some of the ingredients used in granola like, Berries, and spices like cinnamon are rich in antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

Please note that while nutritious, granola is a calorie-dense food. This makes it an ideal food for hiking or an easy-to-pack snack but serving sizes should be considered. Here is a granola recipe you can make at home: 

Yield: 6 - 12 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup cashews
• 3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.
4. Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING:
329 Calories I 17g Total Fat I 3g Saturated Fat I 0mg Cholesterol |152mg Sodium I 41g Carbohydrate I 4g Fiber I 7g Protein I 19g Sugar

Ian Hunter, Clinical Dietitian at the Excela Health Well-Being Center

Recipe Source: Food Network