Description
Mediterranean-inspired olive oil granola brings together nutty almonds, golden honey, and aromatic herbs for a wholesome breakfast treat. Simple ingredients create a distinctive crunch that pairs perfectly with yogurt or fresh berries. You’ll savor each spoonful of this delightful morning mix.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (470 ml) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (150 g) pistachios, raw, hulled & coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup, pure
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, extra virgin
- ½ cup (40 g) coconut flakes
- ⅓ cup (45 g) sunflower seeds, raw, hulled
- ¼ cup (35 g) pepitas
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, light, packed
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cinnamon, ground
- ¼ tsp cardamom, ground
- ½ cup (70 g) cherries, dried, chopped
- ⅓ cup (50 g) apricots, dried, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Merge oats, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and coconut flakes in a large mixing bowl, creating a textural dry base.
- Season and Coat: Drizzle maple syrup, honey, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom over the dry mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly glazed.
- Prepare for Roasting: Spread the coated mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in a thin, uniform layer that promotes consistent caramelization and crisp texture.
- Bake and Transform: Place the tray in an oven preheated to 300°F, roasting for approximately 45 minutes while gently stirring every 10 minutes to achieve an even golden-brown color and rich, toasted flavor.
- Cool and Enhance: Once the granola reaches a deep golden hue and crisp consistency, remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then fold in dried cherries and apricots to introduce bursts of fruity sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle over Greek yogurt, ricotta, or savor as a standalone crunchy snack that celebrates complex textures and harmonious flavors.
Notes
- Customize Nut Varieties: Feel free to swap pistachios with almonds, pecans, or walnuts based on personal preference or availability, maintaining the same total volume for consistent texture.
- Prevent Burning Technique: Stir granola every 10 minutes during baking to ensure uniform golden-brown color and prevent edges from overcooking, which can create bitter, burnt flavors.
- Storage Pro Tip: Store completely cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, preserving its crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.
- Flavor Enhancement Hack: Toast nuts and seeds briefly before mixing to intensify their natural oils and deepen the overall nutty, caramelized flavor profile of the granola.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg