It seems like everyone is pulling out their apron these days during quarantine. We are having a blast playing in the kitchen with this new-found time on our hands. From breads to tasty treats, we have been trying out new recipes every week, but sometimes you have to stick to a classic! Ananda’s granola recipe is always a huge hit at the ranch. This recipe is naturally sweetened, oil-free, and can be gluten free. It’s the perfect topping to a smoothie bowl or yogurt parfait, but it can also be a snack by itself anytime!

Why we love this recipe:

So often the granola you buy at the stores contains oils that have gone rancid. This is not good for the liver. The naturally occurring oils in the seeds and nuts will give you the power you need. Plus, this recipe doesn’t have all of the hidden refined sugars so you don’t have a crash after eating!

Yield: 16 Cups*
PREP TIME: 20 M
COOK TIME: 45 M
TOTAL TIME: 65 M

*Feel free to cut this recipe in half as it has a large yield*

Dry Mix

8 cups Rolled Oats
3 cup coconut flakes, wide flake
1 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup hemp hearts
6 TBL chia seeds
1 TBL cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt (opt)
1 TBL ginger powder (opt)
1 TBL maca powder (opt)

Wet Mix

12 dates, pitted, soaked for about 20 minutes
6 bananas
2 inch chunk of ginger
1 TBL vanilla
1 1/2 cup water, or infused turmeric ginger tea, or chai tea, or your imagination

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put it together and bake

Preheat the oven to 350.
Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Combine all the wet ingredients in a blender and blend for at least 1 minute, gradually increasing to high speed.
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and coat evenly.
Line two large sheet pans with parchment and spread the mix over the surface leaving clumps here and there.
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven to toss and flip the granola and rotate the pan. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This time will vary depending on your oven. The idea is to make it crispy and still have some chunks. If you don't have large trays, you may need to cook it in batches.
When nicely browned and crispy, remove from the oven and add optional dried fruit, (one or more types.) Mix the dried fruit into the granola while it is still warm so it integrates and sticks to the clumps.
Let it completely cool before storing in an air tight container.