TahiniTahiniTahiniTahiniGranola
What goes on anything? Granola! Store-bought granolas used to be my addiction. I would have cups of it every single day. I would either mix it with some yogurt, put it on smoothie bowls, eat it as cereal, and sometimes eat it all alone.
I thought that because granola is advertised to be such a health food, that it was so good for me. After, I realized that could have been one of the biggest lies that I told myself. I finally read the ingredients/nutritional info and realized how full of sugar and unhealthy it was. Granola should always be enjoyed, but knowing that I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle with no refined sugar. I know that I did not want to eat it anymore. I did not want to restrict myself from my favourite food. At the same time, I wanted to nourish my body with more wholesome foods.
Thats when I wanted to find the healthiest, yet delicious granola out there. That’s when I stumbled upon Pick Up Limes page. She was one of the first youtubers out there that inspired me to start cooking at home. So I saw that she had a granola recipe and decided to try it.
Let me tell you, I loved it! Thats when I began making granola from home. I also began to dislike store-bought granola. I did not like the taste of it anymore, nor did I like knowing that I was eating something that will not do much good to my body.
So, from Pick up Limes , I pretty much made her granola recipe my staple. However, I added my own twists and touches to everything! However, in this post I will only post about the plain granola.
Also, feel free to double the recipe. I like making small batches, so I can make new ones frequently and change the flavours up frequently.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup + 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup date dough (sub for soft pitted dates)
- 1/4 cup tahini* (runny)
- 1/2 - 1 cup chopped up mixed nuts
- 2 tsp cinnamon (more/less to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- Desired amount of coconut flakes
- Any other add-ins !
* Tahini is the "oil" in this recipe, as this recipe is oil-free. Tahini gives a lovely chewiness. If you would like granola to be more crunchy add 1-2 tbsp coconut oil with the tahini (you may need to adjust baking time)
Directions :
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Pre-heat your oven to 300°F
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Place tahini and dates in a food processor. Start by adding 3 tablespoons of water and blend. If more is needed, add a little at a time.
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Make sure to scrape down the sides of the food processor so everything is well incorporated. Blend until creamy.
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Add remaining ingredients to a bowl. Mix the oats, nuts, cinnamon, salt, and coconut flakes together.
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Once combined, add the tahini-date mixture into the bowl and mix to combine. Try not to mix too hard - the oats may begin to break up.
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Get a pan, lined with parchment paper/silicone mat, then place the mixture on it. Make sure it is spread evenly so it cooks thoroughly (flat layer.)
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Place the tray in oven and bake till golden brown. Anywhere from 27-32 mins. If you like it chewier, cook for less time. If you like it crunchier, bake for more. Keep an eye on your granola, otherwise it may burn.
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Take out of oven once done. Let it cool before eating and storing.
