What is quinoa? According to Reader's Digest, it is a grain/seed that is rich in protein,
and a nice source of amino acids, iron, magnesium, vitamin E, potassium, and has 5 grams of fiber in each cup.
It is so versatile as well, since you can use it in cereal or muffins for breakfast, or in soups, salads or veggie burgers, and even many other types of dishes. I checked a book out of the library entitled, 500 Best Quinoa Recipes by
Camilla V. Saulsbury, and it has some amazing looking recipes.
When I saw this recipe for granola with quinoa, almonds, coconut and coconut oil,
I couldn't wait to try it because it has so many healthy ingredients in it, and it turned out delicious!
(It can be made gluten free as well!)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups rolled oats (not the instant kind)
- 1 cup rinsed and drained quinoa
- 1 cup flaked coconut (recipe calls for unsweetened, but I used sweetened, and it was fine)
- 3/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger
- 1/2 cup warmed coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey (or you can use brown rice syrup)
- 2/3 cup cranraisins (or you can use your favorite dried fruit)
Combine the oatmeal, quinoa, coconut, almonds and ginger in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil and honey together, then add the wet mixture to the mixed dry ingredients and stir well.
Spread the mixture out evenly on a greased baking sheet, and bake for around 25 minutes in a 400 degree oven. I did stir mine occasionally till it browned evenly.
After it's thoroughly cooled, add the fruit.
Store at room temperature in an airtight canister for up to two weeks.
Coconut Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats not the instant kind
- 1 cup rinsed and drained quinoa
- 1 cup flaked coconut recipe calls for unsweetened, but I used sweetened, and it was fine
- 3/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger
- 1/2 cup warmed coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or you can use brown rice syrup
- 2/3 cup cranraisins or you can use your favorite dried fruit
Instructions
- Combine the oatmeal, quinoa, coconut, almonds and ginger in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil and honey together, then add the wet mixture to the mixed dry ingredients and stir well.
- Spread the mixture out evenly on a greased baking sheet, and bake for around 20 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Make sure to stir occasionally so it browns evenly.
- After it’s thoroughly cooled, add the fruit.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight canister for up to two weeks.
Coconut and quinoa both seem to be popular health foods these days, and I must say, this is a delicious way to eat both!
This is good with milk or just as a trail mix type snack!
Hope you enjoy!
Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life says
Yum! Love quinoa, but have not thought to put it in granola. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I'm visiting from 36th Avenue.
Jeni says
I love making homemade granola, and this looks very good!
Crystal says
Sounds delicious!! My family loves granola and I'm always trying new recipes. Can't wait to try this one!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Sherri @The Well Floured Kitchen says
Interesting! We make granola each week and I love new ideas. So the quinoa is raw, is it very crunchy in the granola? Or does it soften up a bit while baking?
Miz Helen says
I love this Granola. Your recipe is fabulous and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday. Have a great weekend and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Oh this sounds sooooo good. I will definitely give this a try. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that is ongoing.
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/04/162nd-inspire-me-tuesday.html
Hugs, Marty
Mona says
This sounds really good. I agree with Marty..however the time in my life has come when my daughter keeps us supplied with homemade granola to die for..but..I am never to old to learn! 🙂 Just maybe...
Christine at First Home Love Life says
So healthy! I love this! I'd love for you to come link up this and some of your other projects at my new party!
http://www.firsthomelovelife.com/2013/05/house-party-1-b-y-o-p.html
Dianna says
Yes! I was just thinking that my family was in a granola rut and I needed a new recipe. I'm excited to try yours!