RECIPE: Raw “Granola”

*I apologize for those seeing this post for a second time – for some reason it got published way before I had it scheduled for and this isn’t the first time something like this has happened! Sorry, guys!*

If there’s one ingredient I miss more than anything, I would have to say oats. They’re so versatile that they’re pretty much found in EVERYTHING. Granola is probably my most missed oat-y treat and I needed to find a replacement to top my smoothie bowls with. Whether crunchy or chewy, I loved that sweet and often times nutty goodness. While this specific recipe isn’t going to be exactly like the granola you’re probably used to as it’s obviously lacking rolled oats, it does have some “clusters” of nutty deliciousness AND it all comes together in just a few minutes.

I used to LOVE rawnola (dates + gluten-free rolled oats), but when my oat sensitivity returned, I started playing around with a substitute – while this method won’t be nearly as low-fat, the variety of nuts bring some excellent health benefits (iron, selenium, calcium, protein, magnesium, and antioxidants). Ever since seeing my sweet friend Natalie’s latest rawnola recipe over at Feasting on Fruit, I’ve been anxious to throw in some lemon zest…if you haven’t seen her rawnola creations, definitely check them out!

Why did I choose raw walnuts, Brazil nuts, and almonds? Because they’re some of the healthiest options! Not only are they packed with an abundance of nutrients, but they’re also excellent for brain health, heart health, and the prevention of cancer.

Excellent in a bowl with a splash of nut milk, as a topping for ice cream, smoothie bowls, or as is! The Brazil nuts and pinch of salt add a wonderful flavor to this simple recipe. This is also a great base to play around with flavors/spices of your choice…I do have another recipe in the works for you using this raw granola, so stay tuned 🙂

RAW “GRANOLA”

Makes approximately 3.5-4 cups

What you need:

• 1.5 cups packed, pitted Medjool dates (approximately 22-24)
• 1/2 cup raw, organic walnuts
• 1/4 cup raw, organic Brazil nuts
• 1/4 (heaping) raw, organic almonds
• 2 Tablespoons shredded coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (ground or extract)
• pinch of Himalayan salt (optional, but highly recommended)

How to:

1. Throw all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until everything is broken up and starting to clump/stick together. If you’re noticing that the mixture isn’t really sticking, add a few more dates and pulse again.
2. You can either enjoy right away OR spread the mixture (in an even layer) onto a parchment paper lined dehydrator tray and set it at 115°F overnight. I love it both ways, but it’s REALLY good straight out of the dehydrator – it produces a warm, slightly crispy, yet chewy texture.
3. Best stored in a glass, air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Thanks for stopping by!

❤