Homemade Granola

Making granola at home is quite simple and allows you to customize the ingredients to your own tastes. Here is a basic recipe for granola, with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 300 g rolled oats
• 100 g mixed nuts of your choice (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts)
• 50 g seeds of your choice (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds)
• 100 g dried fruit of your choice (apples, pears, apricots)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 160 °C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats with the nuts and seeds.
3. In a small saucepan, gently melt the honey and coconut oil (or olive oil) over low heat, then add the cinnamon and vanilla extract if using.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the oat, nut, and seed mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking tray and sprinkle with the pinch of salt.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is golden and crisp.
7. Allow the granola to cool completely in the tray. Once cool, add the dried fruit cut into pieces.
8. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Fun Fact

Granola was invented in 1863 by an American doctor, Dr. James Caleb Jackson, as a food for his sanatorium patients. Today it has become a popular snack and breakfast ingredient appreciated for its crunch and versatility.

Have fun preparing it and enjoy your homemade granola!