I know what you're thinking - making breakfast cereal is set aside for people who have far too much time on their hands... but I promise you that this recipe is seriously easy. It's minimal effort. The oven does most of the work and most of the ingredients you'll probably already have.
Making your own granola will also save you a small fortune. I always find that decent shop-bought granola is way too expensive. Not too mention the fact that it's usually packed to the brim with sugar also.
On top of that, this also happens to be the best granola you'll ever taste in your life. I promise. I eat it for breakfast practically every day over some natural yoghurt, chopped fruit and a little drizzle of honey. It is the ultimate in tasty, easy, healthy breakfasts.
The recipe I use is based on Leon's Granola by Allegra McEvedy (page 142 of the first Leon cookbook) but I've adapted parts of it (e.g. the Leon's version uses bran, which I always leave out). However the method and quantities for the core ingredients always stays the same.
The base of the recipe is groundnut oil, honey and oats. Once you've got that down you can add whatever you like into the mix. I usually add sunflower seeds, brazil nuts and figs. Dried cranberries, goji berries, raisins and pumpkin seeds are delicious additions also.
Core ingredients (makes about 1kg = about 2 weeks worth of breakfasts):
- 150g (5 oz) honey
- 60 ml groundnut oil (sunflower oil works perfectly too)
- 250g (9oz) large rolled oats (the large flat type - not the usual small porridge oats)
- 150g (5oz) seeds
- 100g (4oz) nuts
- 150g (5 oz) soft dates
- 150g (5oz) dried fruit
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees centigrade/350 fahrenheit/gas mark 4.
Step 2: Honey and Oil
Put your honey and oil into a saucepan and heat gently until the honey has melted into a liquid.
Step 3: Oats and Seeds
Pour your oats and seeds into the same saucepan and stir everything together - making sure the oats and seeds are fully coated in the honey/oil mix.
Step 4: Roast and Toast
Now place your mix onto a large roasting dish and pop it into the oven for about 25 minutes. You need to give the mix a good toss about four or five times during this time to make sure it all cooks evenly (the tops layer toasts quickest). If you're adding any nuts to your mix, this is a good time to place them in a separate cooking tray and pop them into the oven to roast too. About 10 minutes should be enough for them.
Step 5: Chop, Cool and Combine
When your oats have all turned golden and your nuts are nicely toasted, take them out of the oven and put them aside them to cool down. By now, your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible smell.
In the meantime, chop up your dates and prepare whatever dried fruit or extras that you've decided to add to your mix.
When everything has cooled down, mix it all together and pop it into a sealed container so it stays nice and crunchy.
Happy breakfasting!
Photos all my own.
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