Our family loves this nutty granola. Serve alone, over fresh fruit, stir into oatmeal, or top your chocolate avocado pudding. Want more interest? Add allspice, nutmeg, and orange zest (about 1/4 teaspoon of each). It is quick to prepare and easy to cook.
TIP: frozen dates are easier to chop. Also, eliminating a few dates will reduce the sugar.
Directions & Ingredients
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup slivered or sliced almonds
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/3 cups coconut oil
5 medjool dates, or a few more if using deglet noor dates
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
1 tablespoon vanilla
dash salt
1. Preheat oven to 325°.
2. Mix the seeds, nuts, and shredded coconut together in a bowl large enough to stir everything together.
3. Discard the stem and pit from each date. Cut each piece into 5 to 8 slices and add to nut mixture. Another option I've been using lately is adding the dates to the oil; see notes below.
4. Melt coconut oil in the sauté pan on low heat. If desired, you can also add the dates with the oil to create a sweet slurry. Stir a few times until melted and mixed thoroughly. Turn off the stove. Stir the cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and salt.
5. Using a spatula, add the oil mixture to the seeds, nuts, and coconut bowl. Mix well, you might need to use your hands to get the mixture covering all the nuts and seeds.
6. Spread on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, gage cook time based on your desired toasty preferences.
Western Nutritional Information (per serving)
Makes 16 - 1/2 cup servings
Calories 326
Protein 7 g
Carbs 13 g
Sugar 6 g
Fiber (dietary) 4 g
Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 9 g
Monounsaturated Fat 6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 8 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Other: Good source of potassium, calcium, and iron
Source: myfitnesspal.com
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Energetics) Nutritional Information
Energetically, this granola strengthens and nourishes the Qi and Jing (your energy and essence), and promotes the circulation of Qi and blood. The nuts and seeds act to resolve phlegm and drain water. The spices are pungent and warming; they stimulate digestion, promote circulation, and assist to disperse stagnation and dampness.
Source: TCM information based on Leggett, Helping Ourselves.