Granola is an easy breakfast cereal to make and always tastes better than store-bought. The almonds add a delicious crunch, lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Those benefits make them a great highlight for a healthy breakfast, compared to store-bought granolas and cereals which are often full of sugar. Served with plain yogurt and berries, this Pumpkin Seed and Almond Granola is a well-rounded meal with healthy fats, probiotics, and antioxidants. It can also be eaten as a snack to provide fuel during the day!
Nutritional Powerhouse: Pumpkin seeds are a top source of magnesium. This mineral is needed for more than 300 reactions in the body, including maintaining nerve and muscle function, supporting a healthy immune system, keeping your heartbeat steady, and strengthening your bones.
Any Season
Serves 6-8
Time: 30-40 min
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
- 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ tsp fine-grain sea salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ C melted coconut oil
- ⅓ C maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large organic orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, nuts and seeds, salt, zest and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Stir to blend.
- Pour in the oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated.
- Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer, pressing it into the pan. If you like larger chunks in your granola, make the layer thicker, not needing to spread all the way to the edges, and press firmly so that the granola is all stuck together in an even layer.
- Bake until lightly golden, about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway. The granola will crisp up as it cools. Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes).
- Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want larger clusters.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What is Mountain Trek?
Mountain Trek is an award-winning health retreat located in the lush forests of British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1991, our health reset program helps 16 guests at a time unplug, recharge, reconnect with nature, and roll back years of stress and unhealthy habits. Our nutrition program uses local, organic ingredients and reduces inflammation and balances blood sugar levels and hormones. To learn more about Mountain Trek, and how we can help reset your health, please email us at info@mountaintrek.com or reach out below:
An Award-Winning Retreat
