Fasting for spiritual growth is a cherished practice among many Christian Orthodox communities. It's a time to abstain, yes, but also a time to nourish the body with mindful, wholesome foods. This vegan granola recipe offers just that—a simple, nutritious treat that respects the fasting rules and brings a little joy to your kitchen.
🌟 Why You Will Love This Recipe
I stumbled upon this vegan granola recipe during a fasting period, seeking something both nourishing and satisfying to start my day. Rich in proteins from nuts and seeds and packed with fibers from oats and coconut, this granola is a powerhouse of nutrition that supports a balanced diet throughout your fast. It's not just for adults; its sweet, crunchy clusters are a hit with kids too, making it a family-friendly option for all. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—a big win for busy fasting periods!
🥣 Ingredients
1 - Key Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients you'll need for this scrumptious vegan granola:
- 3 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking or instant)
- ⅔ cup roughly chopped pecans
- ⅔ cup slivered almonds
- ⅔ cup unsweetened shaved coconut flakes
- ½ cup dried blueberries
2 - Variations
To keep this recipe within fasting guidelines while adding variety, consider substituting pecans and almonds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for different textures and flavors. Chia seeds or flax seeds can also be included to boost the healthy fat content without compromising the fasting rules. If you’re looking for a fruit twist, try swapping dried blueberries with other dried fruits like apricots or cherries.
📝 Instructions
1 - Step by Step Instructions
Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Position a rack in the upper middle of the oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in oats, pecans, almonds, and coconut flakes until well combined.
Spread & Bake: Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared sheet. Press it firmly into an even layer about ⅜ inch thick. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, watching closely towards the end to avoid burning, until edges are golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let the granola cool completely on the pan. Break it into clusters and stir in dried blueberries. Serve or store as suggested below.
2 - Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
To achieve perfect clusters, press the mixture firmly before baking. This helps it stick together. Serve your granola over almond milk or with a dollop of almond butter for extra creaminess. It also makes a great topping for smoothie bowls or simply enjoyed as a crunchy snack.
🕒 Storage Instructions
1 - Making A Batch For Later
Preparing a double batch of granola is a smart way to save time. Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally and use multiple large baking trays. Keep the dry and wet ingredients separate until you're ready to bake a fresh batch.
2 - Storing Leftovers
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To extend its freshness, you can also keep it in the fridge or freeze it. In the freezer, well-sealed granola can last for a couple of months.
3 - How to Reheat?
To rejuvenate granola from the fridge or freezer, spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This will help crisp it back up without overcooking.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This versatile granola pairs wonderfully with various dishes:
- With Yogurt: Enjoy it sprinkled over a bowl of coconut yogurt topped with fresh fruit.
- As a Smoothie Topper: Add crunch to your morning smoothie by using this granola as a topper.
- With Fruit Salad: Mix it into a fruit salad for a pleasant texture contrast and extra flavor.
Creating this vegan granola recipe at home not only allows you to tweak ingredients to your taste but also offers a healthier, tailor-made alternative to store-bought options. It’s a perfect example of how homemade is often the best choice—happy fasting and happy cooking!
📝 Recipe Card
Homemade Vegan Granola Recipe: A Fasting-Friendly Treat
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup pure
- 3 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats not quick cooking or instant
- ⅔ cup pecans roughly chopped
- ⅔ cup almonds slivered
- ⅔ cup coconut flakes unsweetened and shaved
- ½ cup dried blueberries
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Position a rack in the upper middle of the oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, oil, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in oats, pecans, almonds, and coconut flakes until well combined.
- Spread & Bake: Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared sheet. Press it firmly into an even layer about ⅜ inch thick. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, watching closely towards the end to avoid burning, until edges are golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let the granola cool completely on the pan. Break it into clusters and stir in dried blueberries.
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Vegan granola is a versatile and wholesome breakfast or snack option made without any animal products. This means typical granola ingredients like honey are swapped for plant-based alternatives such as maple syrup or brown rice syrup. Vegan granola typically includes oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, all tossed with a sweetener and oil—like melted coconut oil or olive oil—then baked until crispy.
Granola bars are a convenient, nutritious snack that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. They're ideal for a quick energy boost during the day or as a part of a balanced breakfast, especially when made with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, hemp seeds, and natural sweeteners. Including ingredients such as chia or flaxseed meal can also add essential nutrients and fibers, making them not only tasty but beneficial for your health.
To make vegan granola bars based on the granola recipe provided:
1 - Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of old-fashioned oats, ⅔ cup each of chopped pecans and slivered almonds, and ⅔ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes.
2 - Bind Together: Stir in 3 tablespoons each of maple syrup and packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of melted coconut oil, a pinch of salt, and optionally, a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
3 - Prepare Pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
4 - Form Bars: Transfer the mixture to the pan and press firmly into a thin layer.
5 - Bake: Bake at 325 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
To create clusters from the vegan granola recipe:
1 - Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the oats, nuts, and coconut flakes.
2 - Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil with a pinch of salt, then pour over the dry ingredients to coat evenly.
3 - Bake: Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and press it down firmly.
4 - Cool: Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-35 minutes, then let it cool completely on the pan to harden into clusters.
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