SuperFood Granola

We all know how I feel about breakfast - if you're going to do it, do it right. 

In an ideal world, every morning I would sit and relax, read a little, have some tea or coffee and cook up something delicious; all whilst still in the comfort of my pyjamas. Unfortunately I rarely have time to do this and sadly opt for no breakfast at all, always choosing to snooze for a few precious extra minutes when I'm getting up early for work.  

Though sometimes, change is good - since I first made this granola I've been having breakfast almost everyday! For one thing - it's delicious. It's also set and ready to go so all I need to do is grab some fruit and other bits and I'm there. I can even take it with me to work! 
My morning struggle is over and I start my day full and happy.

My favourite at the moment is to top it with coyo coconut yogurt, figs, seeds and a banana.

Let us also not forget that I have called this granola 'SuperFood Granola' for a reason. Every single ingredient is absolutely packed and bursting with nutrients to keep you feeling amazing. 

All the ingredients are naturally gluten free, with high levels of dietary fibre, to keep your digestive health in top condition. It's also vegan and dairy free, as well as being free from refined sugar, with only a tiny bit of maple syrup thrown in for a little sweetness and to help stick it all together.

The 5 main ingredients in the granola are: quinoa, almonds, flax, chia and pumpkin seeds. Now I've raved on about Chia Seeds in the past, so we know that they are truly super little seeds due to their high levels of iron, potassium and antioxidants, but here's a little more about how the others are just as super.

Quinoa flakes are used as a base for this granola as opposed to the regular rolled oats as they are similar in texture and flavour but have just a little bit more going on nutritionally than oats. One of quinoa's main nutritional advantages is its high protein content, containing more protein per serving than oats. Quinoa also surpasses oats in protein quality as it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Quinoa has a high magnesium content, that allows your cells to produce energy, as well as contributing to healthy bones and teeth. 

Pumpkin Seeds are also rich in magnesium; great for keeping your heart healthy and contain zinc to boost your immune function.

Almonds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds all contain Omega-3 essential fatty acids - these are "good" fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects and lower "bad" cholesterol. Almonds and Chia Seeds have a favourable effect on blood cholesterol levels and help build and maintain strong bones and teeth due to the levels of phosphorus that they contain. Phosphorus is also used by the body to aid cell and tissue growth and repair. 

If I've tempted you with my super SuperFood Granola, the recipe is below! ENJOY.

Ingredients:
250g quinoa flakes - can sub for rolled oats

125g almonds

50g ground flax seeds

50g pumpkin seeds

50g chia seeds

60ml maple syrup

50ml olive oil

100ml coconut oil

100ml water

2 tsp vanilla bean paste

1 tsp ground cinnamon

50g desiccated/flaked coconut

100g dried fruit - sultanas, dates, cranberries, apricots etc (optional)

To Make:

• Heat oven to 150C.
• Line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.
• Put the quinoa flakes, almonds and seeds into a large bowl, mix together and set aside. Chop up a few of the almonds and leave a few whole.

• In a saucepan over a low heat, combine the syrup, oils and water.
• Stir constantly until it is all melted and mixed well - be careful not to let it catch or burn.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon.
• Pour over the dry ingredients and stir well to completely coat the nuts and seeds.
• Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking trays and bake in the pre-heated oven for one hour hour.

• Remove from the oven and give the mixture a good mix around and shake.
• Reduce the heat to 140C and bake for a further 30 mins until the mixture is golden.
• Remove once more from the oven and allow to cool completely before stirring in the coconut and fruit (if using).
• Store in an air tight container.