Oats are one of the breakfast table’s staple grains and are known for their beta-glucan fiber. One of the tastiest ways to eat oats is granola. Homemade granola gives you full control over both the sugar content and ingredient quality compared with packaged products. Below are the ingredients, preparation steps, and proper storage method.
Ingredients for Granola
For a classic granola recipe, you need one and a half 200 ml measures of rolled oats, one 100 ml measure of chopped walnuts, a pinch of rock salt or sea salt, one 15 ml measure of ground flaxseed, and two 15 ml measures of tahini. Mixing these ingredients in roughly equal proportions gives the mixture a balanced consistency.
For an alternative, increase the rolled oats to two 200 ml measures and add 1 tablespoon of clarified butter, chopped almonds, ground flaxseed, applesauce, and hulled hemp seeds. Both mixtures follow a similar baking process; choose according to the ingredients available.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 150°C / 300°F. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl, then spread them in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After baking for the first 20 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven and stir the mixture with a spatula, then continue baking for another 20 minutes.
Check the granola occasionally during baking to keep the edges from burning; ovens can vary in temperature, so look for a golden color during the last 5 minutes. Do not skip stirring if you want it to bake evenly.
Finishing Touches
Add four 15 ml measures of raisins or unsweetened dried blueberries to the hot mixture from the oven. If using blueberries, it is recommended to soak them in boiling water for 2 minutes and drain them first. This prevents the dried fruit from becoming too hard.
Stir the mixture and let it cool until lukewarm. Once cooled, add two 15 ml measures of honey and stir one last time. Adding honey to the lukewarm mixture rather than the hot mixture preserves its flavor and helps the granola stick together in clusters.
How to Store It
Transfer the granola once it has cooled completely to an airtight glass jar and store it in the refrigerator; granola left at room temperature may absorb moisture and lose its crispness. When stored properly, granola can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Using a dry spoon each time helps keep moisture out and the granola crisp for longer. Larger batches can also be divided into portions and stored in the freezer.
How to Serve It
Granola can be enjoyed at breakfast with yogurt, quark, ricotta, or mascarpone; the cheese’s creamy texture creates a pleasant balance with the granola’s crunch. Adding fresh fruit on top makes the dish more appealing both visually and in flavor.
Granola can also be eaten with milk or plant-based milk alternatives and makes a convenient snack or between-meal bite. Dividing it into small jars ahead of time offers a practical breakfast solution on busy days.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any decisions about your health.