Almond Ginger Granola Recipe


A couple of months ago I found a recipe for homemade granola via David Lebovitz's blog, which he has crowned his favorite granola recipe. Multiple batches have churned through our kitchen over the past few months and it has quickly become a staple in our household. What makes this recipe unique is the combination of almonds, wholesome seeds, coconut flakes, ginger and notably the brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is a mild sweetener with a lower glycemic index, which could be advantageous if you are seeking to curb your sugar consumption. However, if you happen to have caught a glimpse food news this week, you may have seen the warnings about findings of arsenic in baby formula via organic brown rice syrup. What I find alarming about this news is the response from the USA Rice Association which stated, "Much of the arsenic in U.S. rice is organic arsenic, the less harmful kind, versus the inorganic type..." Does anyone feel comforted by that statement? Less harmful. Hmmm.
Our jar of brown rice syrup has been tossed out however this recipe remains uncompromised with the substitution of agave nectar which adds its own tilt of virtuous caramel flavors. The recipe yields two pounds which will store well for a month in an air tight container or for several months in the freezer, but I must tell you that it is so good that it won't last that long.

Almond Ginger Granola
Makes about 2 pounds
Adapted from Feast, by Nigella Lawson
  • 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
  • 3 cups raw almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 3/4 cup untoasted sesame seeds
  • 3/4 cup flax seeds
  • 2 cups coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or another unsweetened fruit puree)
  • 1/3 cup agave nectar (the original recipe calls for rice syrup)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons walnut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup raisins or any other dried fruit
Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 300F.
  2. In a very large bowl, mix together the flaked grains or oats, almonds, sunflower, sesame and flax seeds, coconut flakes, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
  3. In a small saucepan, warm the fruit puree with the agave nectar, honey, and oil.
  4. Mix the fruit mixture into the dry ingredients until thoroughly dispersed, then divide and spread the mixture evenly on two baking sheets. (If you have ones with sides, often called jelly-roll pans, use them.)
  5. Bake the granola for about 45 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until the granola is deep golden brown.
  6. Remove from oven, then cool completely. Mix in the dried fruit. 
  7. Store the granola in a large, airtight container. It will keep for up to one month.

24 comments:

  1. So you know...I have a bowl of ginger granola in almond milk every morning...so you pretty much read my mind...and now making it clear I should make my own!

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  2. Your granola recipe made me want a midnight snack...too bad I don't have any oats around at the moment. I've never seen a granola recipe using applesauce...I love this idea! I also like that you use honey and agave instead of sugar - very nice! Hope you are having an excellent weekend!!

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  3. I can see why this is a favorite- it looks great!

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  4. Wonderful combination of flavors! I would love some of this granola right this moment! Have a great week :)

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  5. Not to be all depressing... but watch where your honey comes from. Illegally imported (and mislabeled) honey from China has appeared. It's cheap but the bees are fed corn syrup or worse and not nectar... also the honey has unpleasant additives like lead and petrochemicals and arsenic.

    Whenever tea party people scream less government and regulations, I think imagine where our food supply would be with no regulations and no ability to sue for sickness and death from bad products. Best to make sure your honey is local.

    Ok, off my soapbox. Granola looks great and I love the applesauce addition.

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  6. I like the addition of the agave nectar..I like making granola..you just know what's in it:)

    On the honey subject..i met a doctor once..who said one tsp of honey a day in the am will ward off many things:) But it must be within a certain distance from your home..we are lucky..we have local honey.

    But I must tell you..it doesn't ward off everything:(

    Lovely recipe..thank you for sharing~

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  7. Yum! This recipe does look like a keeper!

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  8. I love making homemade granola bars but I've never made my own granola. I've got to give this a try!

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  9. Once you've made your own granola, you'll never buy it again. Such a difference in flavors. Whoever heard of organic arsenic? My, my.
    Sam

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  10. Yes, less harmful is not very comforting! This granola is delightful however, and I have not really had such a treat since childhood, as my mother prepared it for our daily snacks. Looks wonderful!
    Hope you are having a great weekend...

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  11. I did read that article. Agave nectar sounds like an excellent substitute. The granola looks wonderful. Being a granola addict, I definitely appreciate this recipe.

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  12. This looks great! I may just be giving this a try :-)

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  13. Amazing how careful one must be at every turn~ I had bought a jar of brown rice syrup spurred by a blogger from Canada. Thanks for the info!
    The granola sound wonderful and now I feel like making some myself here!

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  14. I love homemade granola and yours looks great!

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  15. This does look wonderful - all except for the arsenic quote (Apparently arsenic is common in lipstick also!) Maybe agave syrup....

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  16. I like to try different granolas - this is really a nice combination of flavors.

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  17. I have an affinity for all things granola and would love to try this version.

    I hadn't heard about arsenic in brown rice syrup. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. Organic arsenic? Is that supposed to make it acceptable???!

    I always make my own granola. Never have tried the Lebovitz recipe; this is much healthier than mine....

    Adorable photos of your son on Facebook...he is growing so fast! :)

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  19. Buying food and ingredients is really scary...

    The granola sounds very good!

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  20. What a health breakfast, I can't wait to try soon...Have a good week Christine...

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  21. We have so much company in the summer and I know they would love starting their day with this granola.

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  22. I am always up for a good granola recipe. I think granola just makes the day better.

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