Honey Almond Quinoa Granola
Granola is one of those magical breakfast staples that can be both delicious and nutritious. It’s a versatile option that can easily be customized to fit your tastes, and there’s something comforting about a homemade batch. This Honey Almond Quinoa Granola is not only packed with wholesome ingredients, but it also delivers a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that makes every bite a little bit of heaven. The combination of honey, almonds, and quinoa creates a unique flavor profile that elevates this granola from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Almond Quinoa Granola is the perfect way to kickstart your day. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast or a midday snack. The quinoa adds a delightful crunch, while the honey and coconut oil provide a touch of sweetness and richness. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be easily adjusted to include your favorite nuts and dried fruits. You’ll love how this granola fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma while it bakes!
What’s in the Bowl
To create this delicious Honey Almond Quinoa Granola, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup honey – The sweet star of the show!
- ½ cup solid coconut oil – Adds richness and healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances flavor.
- Pinch of salt (optional) – To balance the sweetness, recommended if using unsalted nuts.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – A hint of flavor that rounds out the granola.
- 3 cups rolled oats – The base of your granola; use old-fashioned oats for best results.
- ½ cup raw quinoa – Rinsed well; adds crunch and nutrition.
- 2 cups roughly chopped raw almonds – For a nutty flavor and texture.
- ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut – Adds a tropical twist.
- 1 egg white (beaten) – Helps bind the ingredients together for clusters.
- 1-2 cups dried fruits (optional) – Such as chopped dried cherries, raisins, or dried blueberries for added sweetness.
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you dive into making this delicious granola, gather the following gear:
- Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients.
- Baking sheet – To spread out the granola for baking.
- Parchment paper – Optional, for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula – For mixing and spreading the granola evenly.
Honey Almond Quinoa Granola: Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own granola is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow this step-by-step guide to create your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your granola bakes evenly and reaches that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and solid coconut oil. Stir until the coconut oil has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon, salt (if using), and pure vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, rinsed quinoa, chopped raw almonds, and sweetened flaked coconut. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm honey and coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated, making sure every bit of oat and nut is covered in that sweet goodness.
Step 5: Bind It Together
Add the beaten egg white to the granola mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined. The egg white helps form those delightful clusters that we all love in granola.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it, as ovens vary!
Step 7: Add Dried Fruits (if using)
If you’re adding dried fruits, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will prevent them from getting too hard while the granola finishes cooking.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container.
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
If you’re looking to make this granola vegan or vegetarian, consider these simple swaps:
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
- Skip the egg white entirely, as it’s not necessary for binding; just ensure everything is well mixed.
Testing Timeline
To ensure your granola turns out perfectly, here’s a quick timeline for testing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola fresh and crunchy, follow these storage tips:
- Cool Completely: Always let your granola cool completely before storing.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze granola in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the raw almonds for your favorite nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Is it necessary to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, rinsing quinoa helps remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. Always rinse well before using.
Can I add more sweetener if I like it sweeter?
Yes! You can increase the honey or maple syrup according to your taste. Just remember that too much liquid may affect the texture.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use any neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, though the flavor may change slightly.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that your Honey Almond Quinoa Granola is ready, the fun part begins! Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal with your choice of milk, sprinkle it over yogurt for a delightful parfait, or simply grab a handful as a quick snack. It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a crisp topping for desserts. You can also mix in your favorite fresh fruits for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
The delightful combination of honey, almonds, and quinoa makes this granola a standout. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a topping for your favorite dishes.
Homemade granola is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also a wonderful way to control exactly what goes into your food. So go ahead, make a batch of this Honey Almond Quinoa Granola, and enjoy the deliciousness of wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and satisfy your cravings.
Honey Almond Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and solid coconut oil. Stir until the coconut oil has melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon, salt (if using), and pure vanilla extract.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, rinsed quinoa, chopped raw almonds, and sweetened flaked coconut. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the warm honey and coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Add the beaten egg white to the granola mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- If you’re adding dried fruits, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
Notes
- Let your granola cool completely before storing to maintain its crunch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- You can freeze granola in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
