Eating a well-balanced breakfast is key to getting your day started on the right track. After a night of fasting, restoring and replenishing itself, the body benefits from a nutritious meal to kick-start and support all the processes that it needs to conduct throughout the morning- and not any old breakfast cereal will do!
This recipe is the perfect breakfast cereal option for those who need a good amount of sustenance right from the get go. The combination of whole grains, seeds, nuts and coconut make this granola a source of protein, fibre and healthy fats without an overload of sugar that can stump energy around mid-morning.
And you get a real food nutrition boost with matcha green tea powder. Matcha contains some vitamins and minerals, but what makes this tea a must-have are its polyphenol compounds catechins – which are enjoying interest for their health-promoting potential. This superfood powder can assist with mental clarity, focus and your overall vitality.
Enjoy this granola with your favourite plant-based milk or some Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit. You can even sprinkle it on top of your smoothie bowls or eat as a snack on its own. Any which way you eat it; you are providing your body with a bounty of nutrition that it will thank you for later.
gluten free, dairy free, vegan, nut-free option (see Roberta's tips)
Dry ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if required)
- 1 cup buckwheat groats
- 2 cups coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup flaked almonds
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries (optional)
Wet ingredients
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup honey or preferred liquid sweetener
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flax egg
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 4 tablespoons water
How to make
- Heat your oven to 145°C and line a large baking tray with baking paper
- Place all the dry ingredients excluding the dried cranberries into a large mixing bowl and combine well so that everything is evenly spread
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini, honey, coconut oil and vanilla extract and heat gently in the microwave (or on a stovetop in a pan) until the coconut oil is just melted. Do not overheat the mixture as it will become stiff
- Pour the tahini mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix until everything is well combined. Then add the matcha powder and mix again
- To make the flax egg, combine the ground flaxseeds and water in a small bowl and let sit until the mixture becomes thick and sticky. Once it’s ready, add the flax egg to the large mixing bowl and gently combine once more
- Arrange the granola into a large ‘O’ shape on your prepared baking tray and press down hard so that everything holds together. Place the tray in the oven to bake for approximately 30 minutes
- After 30 minutes, remove the granola from the oven and break it up into large clusters. Turn your oven off and return the granola to it leaving the door ajar. This will allow your granola to continue to gently cook and harden into crunchy clusters. After 25 minutes or so, the granola should be hard enough however it will continue to crisp up as it cools so leave it out on the bench for around 30 minutes before packing it away
- Once the granola has cooled completely, add the dried cranberries then transfer the granola to an airtight container and store in the pantry for up to 2 weeks
Roberta's tips
- Nut-free option - substitute 1/2 cup flaked almonds for 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- Liquid sweetener is necessary for this recipe as it assists the granola to bind properly. If you are on a low FODMAP diet or are vegan, use brown rice syrup in place of honey
- The flax egg can be substituted for 2 egg whites if you would prefer. Quickly whisk 2 egg whites and use them in the same way you would the flax egg
Roberta of Naturo Medico is a Naturopathic Practitioner who specialises in preventative care and women’s health. From her Melbourne-based clinic, Roberta sees women of all ages wanting to meet their own health goals and assists them on their path with personalised treatments specific to their needs.
Alongside practice, Roberta shares healthful and nutrient-rich recipes with her readers who inspire her to continue educating on what health and wellbeing means and how it can be achieved.
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@naturomedico on Instagram for more healthy eating inspiration!