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Sweet Masala Granola (Oil-Free, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan)


 

I am always trying to come up with new granola variations.  I dreamed this one up lying in bed one night.  Not sure where the inspiration came from, but man, it was a good one.  Aromatic, flavourful, crispy and chewy.  It is so so good...and super healthy.  There is no oil, no sugar, and the low-calorie puffed brown rice lightens it up, so you can eat it guilt-free.  The turmeric gives it a nice yellow colour, but really I threw it in because it is an amazing super food with anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.  This granola is great with dairy or non-dairy milk, or yogurt and fresh fruit, if desired.

Don't be scared off by the garam masala, it is a warm, aromatic, but not spicy, spice blend.  I love it in both sweet and savoury dishes.  I didn't add nuts to it, so it could go in the girls' lunch box, if they want, but shelled pistachios and/or cashews would be awesome.  Also, instead of the cherries and raisins, you could throw in chopped dried apricots, dates, or figs.

Honestly, this might be my favorite granola variation yet!!

Sweet Masala Granola (Oil-Free, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan)

2 cups apple or pear sauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
Liquid stevia, to taste
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp sea salt

5 cups large flake oats (gluten-free if necessary)
4 cups puffed brown rice
1 cup whole grain millet

1 cup dried, unsweetened cherries
1 cup unsweetened raisins

Place grains in a large bowl.

Put apple sauce and the rest of the ingredients in a sauce pan and heat over low heat until aromatic.  Pour over grains and toss until they are well coated.  Spread half of the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 15 minutes.  Stir, and break up into clusters.  Bake for an additional 5 minutes.  Let cool completely and then transfer into a large, air-tight container.  Repeat for other half of mixture.  Add dried fruit and toss.

This recipe has been shared with Gluten-Free Friday and Wellness Weekend.
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Comments

  1. JoanneOctober 24, 2013 at 4:43 AM

    The garam masala in a sweet context is very intriguing!

    ReplyDelete

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