The markets are flooded with varieties of granola, muesli, and energy bars. Most of us are so confused of what the ingredients are, which is a better product, and a healthier one for our families!! All of these are definitely healthier alternatives than binge eating fried namkeens and snacks but that doesn’t make it 100% natural. There is one thing I strongly believe in – anything that is on store shelves for a long period and sold to consumers with a long shelf life, will always have preservatives and additives to extend the shelf life. It cannot be 100% natural. Even though all products have the required licensing and use only food grade, industry approved preservatives and additives it cannot be better than freshly bake homemade granola, using pure ingredients, can it??
So here I present to you an extremely flexible, versatile base recipe to make the yummiest crispy, crunchy granola that you will ever have! Use the ingredients you have available, use the ingredients you enjoy and create customised jar of granola for your family in flat 20 minutes! Try this recipe out and I promise you won’t buy another box of granola from the market again.
- Prepare all your ingredients. Choosing the right combinations. Toasted or untoasted nuts, chopped dry berries and fruits etc.
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Mix the oats and any untoasted nuts or seeds together in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Add in the spices such as salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove or cardamom and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Now stir in wet ingredients, the oil, sweetener, and essence.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread out the granola mix and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture is light brown and toasty.
- During the baking time do stir after 10 minutes or so for an even brown color and to make sure the granola does not burn due to the hot spots in the oven.
- Any dried fruits/ berries and roasted nuts are to be added after the baking is over. Remove from the oven and add the chopped dried fruits and any roasted nuts. Stir to combine.
- The granola continues to cook for a few minutes after removing from the oven as well. So if it feels slightly soft or wet, wait till it cools. If you still feel so, you may bake for 5-10 minutes more. In most cases it should become crunchy.
- Break apart in chunks or crumble into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container. Store inside a cupboard in winters or a refrigerator in summers for longer shelf life.
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Ingredients
Directions
- Prepare all your ingredients. Choosing the right combinations. Toasted or untoasted nuts, chopped dry berries and fruits etc.
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees. Mix the oats and any untoasted nuts or seeds together in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Add in the spices such as salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove or cardamom and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Now stir in wet ingredients, the oil, sweetener, and essence.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread out the granola mix and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture is light brown and toasty.
- During the baking time do stir after 10 minutes or so for an even brown color and to make sure the granola does not burn due to the hot spots in the oven.
- Any dried fruits/ berries and roasted nuts are to be added after the baking is over. Remove from the oven and add the chopped dried fruits and any roasted nuts. Stir to combine.
- The granola continues to cook for a few minutes after removing from the oven as well. So if it feels slightly soft or wet, wait till it cools. If you still feel so, you may bake for 5-10 minutes more. In most cases it should become crunchy.
- Break apart in chunks or crumble into smaller pieces and store in an airtight container. Store inside a cupboard in winters or a refrigerator in summers for longer shelf life.