Oat Granola

Oat Granola Recipe - Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Option

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Oat Granola is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make at home. This recipe combines the goodness of oats, dried fruits, and nuts to create a crunchy and flavorful granola that can be enjoyed with yogurt, milk, or on its own.

History

Granola has been around since the late 19th century and was originally created as a health food. It gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a staple in the health food movement. Oat Granola is a variation of traditional granola that uses oats as the main ingredient.

Ingredients

1.67 cups of Quaker® oat bran hot cereal (uncooked)
1 cup of Quaker® oats (quick or old fashioned)
0.33 cups of instant non-fat dry milk solids
0.25 cups of honey
0.25 cups of hulled sunflower seeds
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of water
1 tsp of grated orange peel
0.5 tsp of vanilla
0.75 cups of dried banana chips
0.5 cups of raisins

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine oat bran, oats, dried milk, honey, sunflower seeds, oil, water, orange peel, and vanilla. Mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly in a 13 x 9 inches baking pan.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once after 10 minutes.
Stir in banana chips and raisins.
Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Store tightly covered for up to 1 week.

Variations

Add chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
Swap out the dried fruits for your favorites like dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to stir the granola mixture halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.

- Store the granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oat Granola with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for smoothie bowls.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

- Substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the granola mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oat Granola in a decorative bowl with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oat Granola with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a satisfying breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Oat Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Contains: Milk, nuts

Summary

Oat Granola is a nutritious and delicious breakfast option that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for starting your day.

Summary

Oat Granola is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is easy to make at home. With a crunchy texture and sweet flavor, this granola is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Sarah for tea. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a jar of homemade oat granola and offered me a taste. The moment I tried it, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Sarah had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. It was a simple yet delicious mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and honey, baked until golden and crunchy. The flavor was warm and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that lingered on the palate.

I asked Sarah for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. As I copied it down in my notebook, she told me stories of her grandmother and the special bond they shared over cooking. I could see the love and care that went into every batch of oat granola, and I was inspired to create my own version of this cherished recipe.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. I mixed the oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl, then drizzled them with honey and a splash of vanilla extract. As I stirred everything together, the sweet aroma of toasted oats filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I spread the mixture on a baking sheet and popped it in the oven, watching eagerly as it baked to a golden brown. The scent of warm nuts and honey wafted through the kitchen, making my stomach growl with hunger. After letting the granola cool, I broke it into crunchy clusters and stored it in a jar, ready to enjoy at breakfast or as a snack.

As I sampled my homemade oat granola, I was transported back to that afternoon with Sarah. The flavors were familiar yet unique, a blend of memories and new experiences. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a comforting treat to share with loved ones and a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring.

Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the oat granola recipe. I have added dried fruits, coconut flakes, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a spicy kick. Each batch is a new adventure, a chance to explore the endless possibilities of this simple yet versatile dish.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of oat granola to the next generation. I have taught my grandchildren how to make it, watching with pride as they mix and bake with the same enthusiasm that I once had. It warms my heart to see them enjoy the fruits of my labor, savoring each bite as if it were a taste of love itself.

As I sit in my kitchen now, surrounded by the comforting aroma of toasted oats and honey, I am grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy into my life. The memories of Sarah and her grandmother, of shared moments and shared meals, are woven into every batch of oat granola that I make. And as I take a bite of this beloved dish, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us, to nourish both body and soul.