Slow Toasted Granola

Introduction

Slow Toasted Granola is a warm, crunchy, and aromatic breakfast or snack that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary preferences. This homemade granola is made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, all toasted to perfection. The process of slow toasting enhances the flavors, creating a nutty, golden-brown texture that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast to start your day or a versatile topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even desserts, Slow Toasted Granola is a great choice.

The beauty of this granola recipe is that it’s easily customizable to your taste and dietary needs, and it’s completely free from pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol, making it a Halal-friendly treat. With its simple yet nourishing ingredients, it’s the perfect snack for those looking for something that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Perfect for:

• Healthy Breakfasts
• Meal Prepping
• Afternoon Snacks
• Yogurt or Smoothie Bowl Toppings
• Gifting in a Jar
• Halal-Friendly Diets

Why You’ll Love This Slow Toasted Granola Recipe

Here’s why Slow Toasted Granola will become your new go-to recipe:

• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with natural oats, nuts, seeds, and a bit of sweetener, this granola is packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making it a satisfying and nourishing option.
• Crunchy and Flavorful: The slow-toasting process ensures each piece is perfectly golden and crunchy, bringing out the deep, nutty flavors of the oats and nuts.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences by swapping different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, or using maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
• Great for Meal Prep: This granola stores beautifully, and can be made in large batches and stored for up to two weeks, ensuring you always have a healthy snack on hand.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have homemade granola ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for anyone, from beginner cooks to seasoned bakers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12-15 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Slow Toasted Granola:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, walnuts), chopped
• ½ cup seeds (such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds)
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil or coconut oil
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries, or apricots) (optional)
• A pinch of sea salt for topping (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats form the base of the granola, offering fiber and carbohydrates to keep you energized.
• Nuts and Seeds: These provide healthy fats, protein, and crunch. Choose your favorites or a mix of varieties for different textures and flavors.
• Sweetener: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the nutty flavors. Choose maple syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Coconut: If you like a tropical twist, shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness and chewy texture to the granola.
• Cinnamon: The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon pairs perfectly with the other ingredients and enhances the toasty flavors.
• Dried Fruit: Adding dried fruit gives a burst of sweetness and chewiness, complementing the crunchy, savory granola base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Slow Toasted Granola:

Prepare the Granola Mixture:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut (if using). Stir to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This will create the binding mixture that will coat the dry ingredients.
4. Toss Everything Together: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the sweetened oil mixture.

Bake the Granola:

5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. The more evenly you spread it, the more evenly it will toast.
6. Bake Slowly: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring the granola every 20 minutes to ensure it toasts evenly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The granola is done when it’s golden brown and smells fragrant.
7. Cool Completely: After baking, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Add the Dried Fruit:

8. Stir in Dried Fruit: Once the granola has cooled, stir in the dried fruit of your choice. If you like a mix of textures, you can add a combination of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots.
9. Optional Sea Salt: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the granola once it’s cooled. This enhances the sweetness and gives the granola a balanced, savory finish.

Store and Serve:

10. Store: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container or jar. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
11. Serve: Enjoy your Slow Toasted Granola as a breakfast cereal with milk or plant-based milk, or sprinkle it on top of yogurt or smoothie bowls. It’s also perfect as a snack on its own!

How to Serve Slow Toasted Granola

Slow Toasted Granola is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Yogurt: Top your granola with some fresh fruit and a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing, filling breakfast or snack.
• On Smoothie Bowls: Sprinkle granola over smoothie bowls for added crunch and texture.
• As a Cereal: Serve the granola as a traditional breakfast cereal with your choice of milk, or enjoy it with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk.
• For Desserts: Use granola as a topping for baked fruit crisps or as an element in parfaits for a lighter dessert option.
• As a Snack: Grab a handful of granola as an on-the-go snack when you need an energy boost throughout the day.

Additional Tips for Slow Toasted Granola

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Toasted Granola turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring the granola every 20 minutes ensures it cooks evenly and prevents any clumping.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the granola to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container to avoid moisture buildup, which could make the granola soggy.
• Experiment with Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of nuts and seeds based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
• Use a Low and Slow Method: Baking the granola at a low temperature for a longer time creates a deep, toasted flavor and ensures it crisps up without burning.
• Add Spices: If you like a spiced version of granola, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for extra warmth.

Recipe Variations of Slow Toasted Granola

Here are 10 delicious variations of Slow Toasted Granola to try:

• Nut-Free Granola: Skip the nuts and focus on seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and chia seeds for a nut-free granola option.
• Vegan Granola: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make the granola completely vegan.
• Chocolate Chip Granola: Stir in mini chocolate chips once the granola has cooled for a sweet, chocolatey version.
• Maple Pecan Granola: Use maple syrup and roasted pecans for a rich, nutty granola with a deep caramel flavor.
• Apple Cinnamon Granola: Add freeze-dried apple pieces and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a fall-inspired granola.
• Choco-Nut Granola: Mix in a variety of nuts, including cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts, and finish with a handful of dark chocolate chips.
• Tropical Granola: Add dried pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes for a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with a summer breakfast.
• Spiced Pumpkin Granola: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and some pumpkin seeds for a fall twist.
• Berry Almond Granola: Add freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, and slivered almonds for a fruity granola option.
• Matcha Green Tea Granola: Incorporate matcha powder into the wet mixture for a green tea-flavored granola that’s both healthy and delicious.

Freezing and Storage for Slow Toasted Granola

• Freezing: You can freeze the granola for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag, and thaw it at room temperature when ready to use.
• Storage: Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crispiness.

Special Equipment for Slow Toasted Granola

Here are some helpful tools for making Slow Toasted Granola:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet ensures the granola spreads out evenly for even toasting.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls are needed to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula is useful for tossing the granola and stirring it during baking.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the granola from sticking.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers are essential for storing the granola once it’s cooled.

FAQ Section about Slow Toasted Granola

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
   It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, as they hold their shape better and toast more evenly. Quick oats may become too soft and mushy when baked.
2. Is this granola gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I use a different sweetener?
   Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity to suit your desired level of sweetness.
4. Can I make this granola nut-free?
   Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts and add extra seeds or dried fruit in place of the nuts for a nut-free version.
5. Can I add fresh fruit to the granola?
   It’s best to add dried fruit, as fresh fruit could burn or become soggy during the baking process. Add dried fruit after the granola has cooled to maintain texture.

Print

Conclusion of Slow Toasted Granola

Slow Toasted Granola is the perfect recipe for a healthy, homemade snack or breakfast option. With its rich flavors, customizable ingredients, and easy preparation, this granola will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a cereal, topping for yogurt, or just as a crunchy snack, Slow Toasted Granola offers endless possibilities for personalization. With the added benefit of being Halal-friendly, it’s a great choice for everyone in the family to enjoy. Happy baking!