There are a few things that I never tire from making: 1) muffins, 2) granola, 3) pesto, and 4) cookies. Perhaps it’s because I’ve made them so so many times, and of many varietal, that I’m pretty confident in my baking capabilities when it comes to these things, and I’m usually left with a satisfying product.
Wednesday, when I took a much-needed rest day from my normal everyday energetic productiveness, I made a batch of quinoa granola. You can do anything with quinoa, I swear. My mom asked if the quinoa was “puffed” (a.k.a. cooked, LOL). Nope… what I’m calling quinoa granola is simply a basic oat-based granola with the addition of raw quinoa. Not only does it add a lovely textural component, but it amps up the nutritional profile in terms of protein – always a plus!
Quinoa Granola
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3 c. rolled oats
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1/2 c. quinoa, uncooked
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1/2 c. sunflower seeds
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1/2 T cinnamon
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pinch of salt
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6 T canola oil
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1/4 c. brown rice syrup
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1/4 c. pure maple syrup
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1/2 T vanilla
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1/2 c. dried cherries (I prefer sweetened)
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1/2 c. pistachios
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, quinoa, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt. In a smaller bowl, combine oil, syrups, and vanilla. Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until liquids are “blendable”. Pour over oat mixture, stirring thoroughly. Bake granola in a glass baking dish @ 325-350F for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Allow the granola to cool completely on paper towels before storing in an airtight container.
Notes:
- This is probably one of the smallest batches of granola I’ve made, but you can easily multiply the ingredient amounts.
- I used cherries and pistachios (thinking ahead about homemade holiday gifts), and because I adore the flavor combination; though, other dried fruit and nut combinations – say slivered almonds and dried apricots – would make an equally scrumptious cereal.
Inspirations for this recipe include:
Hope your week is off to a happy, healthy start :)
See ya around,
Hillary
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What’s the craziest thing you’ve done with quinoa?
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Oh wow, I never realized you could eat quinoa without cooking it. I guess I assumed the crunch would hurt my teeth! I love the cherry + pistachio combo, very holiday-ish!
This looks great, I am going to have to make it very soon!!
I’m with ya! I could bake muffins, granola bars and granola every.single.day. And some weeks I do. Good luck this school year! Mine just started today :)
Cool! I really want to try this, I am not creative with quinoa at all! I never get tired of making muffins and cookies :)
Quinoa is such a great granola addition! Sounds delicious + nice and crunchy :)
I’d say that’s pretty productive of you! It looks delicious!
The craziest thing I’ve done with quinoa is make cookies. Both with flakes and cooked quinoa. They both worked well, but flakes are much better for that sorta thing.
I like how the quinoa makes the granola look so pretty.
I have been wanting to try quinoa in granola. I just need to get around to making it.
I’ve never tried quinoa! I really need to! Maybe this recipe will be the first :)
I think it wouldn’t be a very typical quinoa “experience” although I am certain delicious nonetheless. Try it as a side sometimes – it is pretty cool how it “puffs up”. :)
It’s not super crazy, but I make about a cup of quinoa and keep it warm on the stove. While that’s happening, I cut up a big eggplant into chunks, 1/2 of a sweet onion and a red bell pepper and roast them on super high heat in the oven until they are soft and slightly charred, about 40 minutes. Then, I mix the veggies with the quinoa, add a touch of olive oil and it’s become one of my all-time favorite foods. So filling and SO healthy!
xo Marie
Chocolate & Wine
R U laughing at me??? By ‘puffed’, I meant the stuff you can buy in the cereal section of the market, like ‘puffed corn’, ‘puffed rice’, ‘puffed millet’…
I wonder how digestible the raw quinoa is??? Just a thought. oxo
a little roughage is always good, lol.
I think I’d love the extra crunch from quinoa. Definitely saving this recipe!!
PS – I’m hosting a pretty sweet giveaway (today only) so check it out if you’re curious :)
Wow, this sounds like such a great combo! I really like cooking quinoa and adding feta, cranberries and walnuts to it with a drizzle of EVOO.
That sounds tasty!
This is fantastic! I too am addicted to making granola, adding quinoa is a brilliant move! Thanks for the inspiration!!