Toasted Quinoa Healthy Granola Recipe

by Jeremy
(Ohio)

I call this "Quinoa Granola", because incorporating quinoa was my primary inspiration for this recipe.

1/2 C rolled oats (not the quick cooking type)
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/4 C quinoa, toasted (I used the red variety, but either would probably be fine)
1/4 C sliced almonds, toasted
1/8 C flax seed meal
1/8 C wheat bran, toasted
1/4 tsp fresh ground cinnamon (preferably Ceylon)
1/2 tsp molasses
1/2 tsp honey
~2 Tbsp agave nectar (approximate. see method below)

Toast the quinoa, sliced almonds and wheat germ. I just did this in a stainless steel saute pan over medium heat, each one separately. Don't forget to keep them moving to avoid burning. The quinoa is done when it has been popping for 20 seconds or so. The almonds are done when they begin to take on a golden color. I consider the wheat germ done when I can smell it (it goes from toasted to burnt very quickly, so be careful).

Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add molasses, honey and stir. Add just enough agave nectar to hold it together. Spread and press onto a parchment lined sheet pan, about 3/8" thick. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Allow to cool, then cut into bar-like pieces or just break apart. Alternatively you could stir it regularly and keep it loose.

It has a delicious nutty, grain flavor. High protein, high fiber, Omega 3s and the agave nectar is low on the glycemic index. It is my mid-morning snack almost daily.

NOTES: The next time I make this, I intend to add 1/8 cup popped Amaranth.

Thanks to Jeremy for sharing this healthy granola recipe!