Splendid Granola

I’ve been wanting to add oats to my diet for their cholesterol-lowering benefits, but somehow the thought of cooking them every morning felt… uninspiring. Then I remembered a granola recipe I once adapted from the chef at The Ranch in Malibu. I’ve been playing around with that recipe and after some experimenting, I’ve transformed it into a more heart-healthy version, brimming with nourishing ingredients that come together in a crunchy, irresistible mix I genuinely look forward to every morning. Keep reading ~ you won’t believe how much wholesome goodness is packed into this one little bowl!

This recipe is easy to make and you can tailor it to suit your personal tastes. Oats are rich in soluble fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol, support heart health, stabilize blood sugar, and promote digestive health. The combination of rolled oats and steel cut oats provided the right texture for me but you could do all rolled oat or pure steel cut. I learned a lot about the humble oat in my research for this post.

Did you know that oats grow on 2-4 foot tall, grass~like hallow stems like wheat or barley? When in flower there is an elegant, petaled papery husk that droops down over the grain and easily moves in the wind. The heads mature from green to golden yellow. The harvested grain is called a groat. In the image below do you see the oats in the lower right corner? Those groats have been “rolled” through steel rollers, which is how they get their name. The groats in the upper left part of the image have been cut with steel blades, so they are appropriately called “steel cut oats” .

I love the mildly sweet, distinct flavor and the texture provided by coconut flakes, I opted for Bob’s Red Mill unsweetened, unsulphered coconut flakes. You could use a sweetened coconut flake, or omit the coconut altogether. Unsulphered coconut flakes provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health, digestion, and steady energy without added preservatives or chemicals.

My choice for nuts were walnuts and almonds but pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds or hazelnuts would also be delightful. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, supporting heart health, brain function, blood sugar balance, and overall wellness. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols that support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.

To my taste, dried Montmorency cherries from Trader Joe’s add a perfect bright tart bite but raisins, chopped dried apricots, figs or dates would also be tasty. Montmorency cherries are rich in antioxidants and natural melatonin, helping reduce inflammation, support muscle recovery, improve sleep quality, and promote heart health.

Flaxseed meal supports heart health, digestion, hormone balance, and blood sugar control due to its fiber, also it’s rich in omega-3s, and antioxidants. Chia seeds support heart health, digestion, and blood sugar control while providing fiber, omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. They also add interesting texture, improving the “chew factor” so why not add them to the mix? For added flavor I included cinnamon, but you could add any spices you prefer: ground ginger, nutmeg, cardamon, cloves or even a Chinese five-spice blend could add some interesting spunk. Just a touch of sea salt enhances each ingredient’s flavor, letting every element shine while blending together in perfect harmony.

The liquid component is what binds the granola together. Egg whites are low in calories and fat while providing high-quality protein that supports muscle repair and overall health. I used almond extract for extra flavor, but vanilla, orange or lemon extract could also be tasty. Avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting cardiovascular health, you could also use olive oil or any other vegetable oil. Maple syrup contains natural antioxidants and trace minerals like manganese and zinc.

This recipe yields about 15 cups of finished granola. I have about 2/3 a cup a day with some fresh fruit and soy milk. It keeps me energized for hours. Sealed in an airtight container the granola will last for weeks at room temperature.

Splendid Granola

Ingredients

• 4 cups oats {I did 1/2 rolled oats and 1/2 steel cut oats}
• 6 cups nuts {your choice! I like a mix of 3 cups of walnuts pieces 3 cups of whole almonds}
• 3 cups dried fruit {I love the dried sour Montmorency cherries from Trader Joe’s}
• 1 cup coconut flakes {preferably unsweetened, unsulphered}
• 1/2 cup flax seed meal
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon sea salt
• 4 cups egg whites
• 3/4 cup oil {I used avocado oil}
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon almond extract {or use vanilla if you’d prefer}

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange 2 oven racks in the top half of the oven.

Add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss them together.

Separate the eggs and put the egg whites in a pitcher or bowl, add the oil, maple syrup and extract and stir it until mixed well.

Pour the liquids into the dry mix and stir until the dry ingredients are evenly coated. I like to let it sit for about 30 minutes to let the liquid mix “soak in” a bit and let the flax seed meal and chia seed settle into the crevices.

Prepare 2 baking sheets with silicone pads or parchment paper for easier clean up.

Pour half of the mix onto each baking tray and press it down so that it is binds together.

Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then rotate them—swap the top and bottom rack positions and turn each tray so the opposite end faces forward—to ensure even, consistent cooking. Bake for 20 more minutes. Check the mix to make sure it is toasted to your liking. When it is turn off the oven. For crunchier granola leave the trays in the closed oven for up to 24 hours.

And there you go, breakfast is ready for weeks to come. I like to have it with fresh fruit and unsweetened soy milk. It’s also great for snacking. Soy milk is rich in plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, supporting heart health, bone strength, and hormone balance… so much goodness in just one little bowl!

Store in an airtight container. These Le Parfait storage jars would look great in the pantry, I generally use these reusable silicone bags.

I hope you have fun with this recipe, I’d love to hear any favorite variations you come up with.