Looking for a crunchy, tasty, and healthy alternative to your morning cereal or snack routine? Granola might be the first thing that comes to mind, but if you’re following a paleo diet, traditional granola, which is usually packed with grains and added sugars, doesn’t quite fit the bill. But don’t fret! We’ve got a delicious solution that’s totally paleo-friendly: homemade grain-free granola. It’s easy, customizable, and best of all, it involves simple ingredients and steps.
Before diving into the kitchen, let’s clarify why this granola is a fantastic choice for anyone, especially those following a paleo diet. The paleo diet focuses on eating foods that were likely available to early humans, emphasizing meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while avoiding processed foods, grains, and sugar. Our grain-free granola ticks all the right boxes by being rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, without any of the grains or artificial sweeteners found in many store-bought options.
Ingredients to Use
- Nuts and Seeds: The heart and soul of your granola. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts are great choices. Seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or sesame seeds add variety and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds texture and a lovely, subtle sweetness.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can add a warm and comforting flavor without the need for sugar.
- Dried Fruit (Optional): If you enjoy a bit of chewiness in your granola, consider adding some dried fruit such as raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries. Just ensure they’re unsweetened to keep it strictly paleo.
- Sweetener (Optional): While traditional granola often uses honey or maple syrup, you might choose to omit sweeteners entirely or use them sparingly, depending on your dietary goals.
- Quality Fats: Coconut oil or ghee, melted, will help bind the granola together making it crisp up in the oven.
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to around 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your granola won’t stick and is easy to remove.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your chosen nuts and seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, and any spices you’d like to include. Give it a good mix, ensuring that all the ingredients are distributed evenly.
3. Blend in the Fats and Optional Sweeteners
Pour the melted coconut oil (or ghee) over your dry mix. If you’re using any sweeteners, add them now. Mix thoroughly, so everything is nicely coated and begins to clump together slightly.
4. Spread it Out
Transfer your mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. You want to give each little bit of your granola space to get nice and crispy.
5. Bake with Care
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the granola begins to turn a golden-brown color. It’s a good idea to stir once or twice during baking to ensure even crispness.
6. Cool and Store
Let the granola cool fully on the baking sheet. This step is crucial as it’s when the granola crisps up. Once cool, if you’ve decided to add any dried fruit, mix it in now. Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, if it lasts that long!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your grain-free granola in a bowl with some almond milk or coconut yogurt, or as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls. It’s also perfect for snacking straight from the jar!
Conclusion
Making your own paleo-friendly, grain-free granola is not just about sticking to dietary guidelines; it’s also about embracing the joy of creating something delightful and nutritious from scratch. This recipe is straightforward, customizable, and forgiving. So, whether you stick strictly to the paleo diet or just looking for a healthier snack option, this granola is sure to satisfy your cravings and maybe even surprise you with how delicious eating well can be.
