Pantry Basics: Homemade Granola Master Recipe
Since T has come along, I spend significantly less time in the kitchen. The elaborate, time-consuming recipes requiring a fully sentient being to execute have taken a backseat. In fact, I have a roster of quick recipes I keep on my mobile phone that I keep returning to. Some of them are just notes or lists of ingredients that help remind me of what I usually put into a dish; others are full recipes replete with my tweaks and adaptations. Having them always on hand makes it easier for me to throw something together when my head is stuck in a cloud of sleep deprivation. This granola recipe based on Molly’s adaptation of Nekisia Davis’ is one of them.
When I tasted this granola for the first time, I seriously wondered why anyone would ever go the store-bought route. It was a gustatory epiphany. I loved that it was subtly sweet and boldly salty at the same time. The freshly toasted nuts, seeds and rolled oats had a delightfully crisp quality to them. Chewing on them was akin to shattering the delicate pane of caramelised sugar that sits atop a perfectly made creme brulee. I proceeded to try a number of other granola recipes highly rated by fellow food bloggers, but found myself returning to this one time and again.
I call it a master recipe because I’ve found it to be infinitely adaptable. Having said that, I’ve also come to realise that certain key components should be kept constant in order to make it the granola that CH, my parents and in-laws, friends and neighbours have come to enjoy. The pumpkin and sunflower seeds give it a lightness and crunch that rolled oats on their own fail to deliver. The holy trinity of brown sugar, maple syrup and olive oil give it complexity of flavour as well as its characteristic veneer of toasted crispness. But I must confess that of late, I have been veering towards coconut oil, which remains stable when heated (unlike olive oil); is a healthy option; and results in a brighter, cleaner tasting granola. O, and the salt. It is an essential counterpoint that adds a kiss of allure to the granola’s otherwise wholesome sweetness.
Much of the rest of the blend, however, depends on what we happen to have in the pantry. In this instance, I have used macadamias and cashews, CH’s favourite nuts, as well as raisins and chia seeds (I must clarify that the image above, incidentally shot with my mobile phone, does show the first batch I made using walnuts and pecans). I’ve also paired pecans with dried blueberries; macadamias and pistachios with goji berries; almonds and walnuts with dried cranberries. The options abound. Eyeballing the quantities for these variables haven’t seemed to compromise the finished product. Coconut chips make an appearance when they complement the overall combination of ingredients. On occasion, I’ve added puffed spelt or rice. In place of brown sugar, I’ve used vanilla palm sugar. Sometimes I use vanilla fleur de sel instead of kosher salt and add an additional teaspoon of vanilla bean crush. Just a couple of days ago I added a note to myself to make a batch inspired by this utterly feminine combination of rose petals and honey.
The other thing I’ve tweaked is the amount of maple syrup used in the recipe. And that’s simply because the organic maple syrup I use seems to be a lot more liquid, leaving the finished granola less crisp than I would like when I adhere to the original quantity. I’m so fond of this granola that I’ve even taken to presenting it as a hostess gift. It’s especially fun to make because T loves stirring the mix before it goes into the oven. This recipe has converted me into a total homemade granola evangelist. I urge you to make your own!
Granola Master Recipe
Adapted from Molly’s recipe. The ingredients listed in red can be changed or adjusted to suit your preferences.
Makes about 1kg
300g (3 cups) rolled oats (or equal parts rolled barley/rolled spelt and rolled oats)
125g (1 cup) raw pumpkin seeds
130g (1 cup) sunflower seeds
50g (1 cup) unsweetened coconut chips (optional)
125g raw macadamias or other nut of your choice
90g raw cashews or other nut of your choice
85g (packed ½ cup) light brown sugar
1 tsp kosher salt
120ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup, Grade B
120ml (1/2 cup) olive oil or coconut oil
75g (about ½ cup) raisins (optional)
2 tbs chia seeds (optional)
Preheat the oven to 150° Celsius using the convection/fan setting. Line a rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut chips, macadamias, cashews, light brown sugar, and salt. Stir to mix. Add the olive oil and maple syrup, and stir until well combined. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until the granola is golden brown and toasted, about 55 minutes.
Place on a rack to cool completely. Stir in raisins and chia seeds. Store in an airtight container.
About Su-Lyn Tan
Su-Lyn is Aun's better half and for many years, the secret Editor behind this blog known to readers simply as S. Su-Lyn is an obsessive cook and critical eater whose two favourite pastimes are spending time with her three kids and spending time in the kitchen. She looks forward to combining the two in the years to come.
Thanks for the trips and tricks. Your recipe is truly a master’s recipe.
Thank you, Michelle 🙂 And THANK YOU for introducing me to Redomestication.
Where can I buy Grade B maple syrup? I seem to only find Grace A at the regular supermarkets.
Hi Faith, I searched everywhere, too! Try organic or health stores. I found mine at SuperNature Park House.
I found the maple syrup, thanks! Your recipe is a WINNER! Everyone who ate it went back for extra handfuls, and someone called it “addictive”. Thank you so much for sharing this brilliant recipe. Now I know what I am giving away for Christmas this year!
Dear Faith, I’m so glad it worked well for you 🙂 I’m sure your friends and family will love the yummy Christmas gift. The only downside is that you’ll find yourself having to make mounds and mounds of granola. Each batch doesn’t go very far when you divide them into jars or bags. Nevertheless, it’ll be worth the effort!
Since you gave me a bag at our last lunch, I haven’t stopped making it at home either 🙂 Everyone LOVES it. Thanks!
Heyyy, glad I scored a convert 🙂
I’m always on the look out for a better granola recipe, so I look forward to trying this one. I like the idea of a Master recipe that can be adapted.
Dear Vespa Woolf, tryit,tryit,tryit!
Thanks for the recipe; I just made a batch. BEST.GRANOLA.EVER.
Such a lovely gift pack! Where did you get those bags? Do I have to vacuum seal them to keep the crispness?
Dear Kathryn, I’m so glad the recipe worked out well for you 🙂 I bought the bags at ToTT (www.tottstore.com). I don’t vacuum pack it because I worry that everything will get crushed. For the home, I just store the granola in an plastic Ikea cereal container placed in the fridge. It stays crisp for quite awhile.
So glad you liked the granola recipe 🙂
Hi S,
Can I just find out what’s the approximate weight of those granola bags you have in the picture? I am thinking of making this to give away as christmas gifts. Thanks!
Hi Sylvy, There’s about 300g of granola in each bag which gives you about 3 portions (I have about 80g per serving and top it with some milk, yoghurt and fresh fruit). I insert a square cake base at the bottom of each bag to give them stability.
Great! and yes a base for each bag is a good idea too, gives it a nice shape. Thanks!
You’re most welcome.
Made a batch yesterday and loved it! I usually use canola oil for my granola but used coconut oil this time based on your suggestion and its a winner! The coconut oil gives off such a tantalizing aroma. I can’t wait to give some to my toddler when he’s older. Even my better half loves it, not knowing that i’ve sneaked in quinoa which he dislikes. Lol, Thank you!
Dear Ade, I’m thrilled to hear that you like the recipe 🙂 The things wives and mothers have to do for the good of our loved ones, huh? How much quinoa did you use and did you just toss it in with everything else and roast it?
Dear S
I threw in about 1 cup of rolled quinoa together with the rest of the ingredients and let them get acquainted in the oven. I used Olive Green Organics rolled quinoa from Supernature. Great stuff!
And yes, the things we do to prepare a wholesome and delish meal for our loved ones. I rack my brains every night planning my little boy’s meal for the next day
Dear Ade, aha! rolled quinoa. Thanks for the tip 🙂
Dear S, was wondering, how would it affect the final result if I didn’t use Grade B maple syrup? in case I can’t locate it here…
Dear Charmaine, Just use whatever maple syrup you can get 🙂 it’ll perhaps have a lighter maple flavour, but that’s about it.
Would you suggest using desiccated coconut or coconut chips? If i use desiccated coconut, do i have to bake them in the oven too?
Hi, my English isn’t that good but I want to ask you .. from where can i get this bags?