Coconut Granola-Muesli
There’s lots of research and articles I’ve come across about how healthy whole grain oats are for our bodies. They’re high in dietary fibre and so have many health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and managing blood sugar levels to name a few. Many people today choose to or need to follow a gluten-free diet and in doing so may also avoid oats. Oats do not actually contain the same gluten as wheat but they do have a similar protein called avenin, which people may react to in similar ways to the gluten found in wheat. Some oats may also be cross contaminated with wheat due to how they’re grown or processed so check the label for wheat-free or gluten-free oats if concerned. To better manage some health issues, I typically choose gluten-free foods too. I’m still undecided though whether eating oats regularly is good for my body and so I eat a small amount occasionally.
One of my favourite ways to enjoy oats during warmer months is as a granola or muesli with yoghurt. This homemade granola recipe which I particularly like was inspired by Elizabeth Rider. It’s bursting with flavour using good healthy foods and has a nice light crunchy texture.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill wheat free range)
1/4 cup mixed sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup mixed slivered almonds and chopped natural almonds
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon pure organic maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch of macrobiotic sea salt or Himalayan salt
Method:
- Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius (325 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Line a shallow baking tray with baking paper
- In a medium-sized bowl mix all dry ingredients, rolled oats, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, almonds, shredded coconut and cinnamon
- Add the coconut oil and mix in well
- Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt
- Spread mixture evenly on to the lined baking tray
- Bake for 10 minutes
- Cool and store in a glass jar
As a serving suggestion, use your granola in a parfait with your favourite fruit. For this healthy banana parfait, place a couple of tablespoons of organic vanilla yoghurt in a tall glass, top with a layer of your fresh homemade granola followed by a layer of sliced banana. Repeat with another layer of yoghurt, granola and banana. Drizzle with honey and enjoy!
Serves 1
Banana Parfait
Feeding the Body, Mind & Soul 