For those of you who aren’t familiar with Salted Plains, read on.
Whole oats are full of good-for-you fiber, high in protein, and contain vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium. I buy my whole rolled oats in the bulk section at my local grocery store, but if your store doesn’t have a bulk section you’ll probably be able to find them in the baking aisle. Regardless, be sure you are buying 100% pure whole rolled oats, nothing that says “instant” or “quick cooking.” (Instant/quick cooking oats = highly-processed/high-glycemic/highly-bad-for-you.)
I like to use coconut oil because it’s full of nutrients and adds a really nice light flavor to the granola, but you can use any healthy oil you like. I suggest to stay away from olive oil because it has such a strong flavor. Oils high in omega-3 fats, life flaxseed oil, are extremely good for you but should be avoided here as well because they’re meant to be consumed raw and go rancid when heated (omega-3’s don’t like heat at all-don’t cook with them).
I always add nuts and seeds to my homemade granola for flavor, texture, extra nutrients and added healthy protein. A small amount of unsweetened dried fruit is ok too, just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the sugar content down. Also use less sweetener if you add dried fruit.
To sweeten, I prefer organic grade-b maple syrup or raw organic honey. Grade-B maple syrup is actually better than grade-a as it contains more nutrients and slightly less sugar. Local raw organic honey is also a great option, especially if anyone your cooking for suffers from seasonal allergies–local raw honey that hasn’t been pasteurized will contain small traces of local pollen that can actually help with allergy issues (a little homemade homeopathy).
Again, go easy on the sweetener to keep the sugar content down. Always avoid white, highly processed sugars and artificial sweeteners–read the labels of the maple syrup and honey and make sure the only ingredients in the bottle are maple syrup (no corn syrup).
WHOLE GRAIN SORGHUM PECAN GRANOLA (GLUTEN-FREE + VEGAN)
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- ½ cup whole grain sorghum to be popped (I use Bob's Red Mill brand)
- ½ cup pepitas
- ¾ cup pecans chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- ⅓ cup maple syrup grade b (or honey, if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cherries or other dried fruit
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 340 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- First, start out by popping the whole grain sorghum. Place sorghum in a paper sack and roll down opening, placing flap face down in microwave. Microwave sorghum for 2-3 minutes (took me 3) or until there is more than 5 seconds between pops. Open bag to release heat. See Notes below for stovetop method.
- Combine oats, popped sorghum (even the un-popped kernels), pepitas, pecans, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Stir until dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread mixture evenly onto baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until oats become golden brown, stirring halfway through baking.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan on wire rack. When cool, add dried cherries or other dried fruit to granola, and place in an airtight container.
Notes
