A Simple Granola Recipe That Uses Only Oats, Honey, and a Few Special Ingredients
Granola is a popular breakfast choice that blends the goodness of oats, honey, and a few other flavorful ingredients to create a nutritious and delicious treat. This simple recipe requires only a few key components to produce a hearty, satisfying granola that is perfect for both morning and afternoon snacking. Let's dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to make this delightful granola.
Ingredients
1/2 cup honey 1 cup natural peanut butter (preferably creamy and with no added sugars) 1 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon A pinch of salt (optional)Steps to Follow
This granola recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it a great option for those who want to try home-cooked, wholesome snacks without too much fuss. Here’s how to make it:
Warm the Honey and Peanut Butter: Start by warming the 1/2 cup of honey and 1 cup of natural peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for about 20-30 seconds or until the mixture is pourable. It is important to warm the mixture to ensure it blends well with the oats and other ingredients.
Mix Well: Once the honey and peanut butter are warm, stir them together until they are thoroughly combined. This mixture forms the base of your granola, providing both sweetness and texture.
Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of raisins, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. You can also add a pinch of salt if you prefer a slightly savory flavor. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
Mix Everything Together: Carefully add the warm honey and peanut butter mixture to the oat mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step is crucial to achieving a well-blended and cohesive granola mixture.
Spread on a Cookie Sheet: Grease a large cookie sheet lightly with some cooking spray. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the cookie sheet. If you want bars, you can use a spatula to cut it into smaller sections after it cools down.
Cool and Enjoy: Place the cookie sheet in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the granola is lightly golden brown and crunchy. Alternatively, you can allow the granola to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, break it into bars or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Tips and Variations
There are a few tips and variations to customize this basic granola recipe to suit your taste preferences:
You can substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters, such as almond or cashew, for a different flavor profile.
For added crunch, you can also add some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the mixture.
If you prefer sweeter granola, increase the amount of honey or add a small amount of maple syrup.
To make a no-bake granola, mix all the ingredients together and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
Conclusion
This simple granola recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients. By using just oats, honey, and a few special ingredients, you can create delicious, home-made granola that is both healthy and delightful to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, this granola is the perfect choice for those times when you want something tasty and nutritious.
Keywords
granola recipe, oats, honey, no-bake granola, oat granola