Not only do I love granola for its wonderful taste, but also for its host of health benefits that make it a great addition to your daily routine. Granola can be packed with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, providing a rich source of fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the day. The combination of oats and nuts delivers a hearty dose of essential nutrients, including heart-healthy fats, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
When you make granola at home rather than buy it from the store, you can tailor the sweeteners and other ingredients to your preference, allowing you to indulge your sweet tooth without sacrificing your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Another bonus to homemade granola? Your kitchen will smell amazing while you're cooking it!
This recipe is inspired by the granola at one of my favorite places to eat in New York City called The Smile. I loved The Smile for its cozy atmosphere and incredible food, and their homemade granola with greek yogurt and seasonal fruit was always my favorite. Sadly, their main location in downtown NYC did not survive the pandemic, but thankfully they have an off-shoot of the restaurant called Smile To Go with locations in Flatiron and Soho.
The chef from The Smile published the recipe for their homemade granola online several years ago, and I made a few modifications to make it a bit healthier (my version has half the amount of added sugar) but still absolutely delicious! I love to make this recipe ahead of time so it is ready to go in the mornings for a quick breakfast, and it stays good for up to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2.5 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp honey
pinch of salt
*Serve with your choice of milk, yogurt, or on top of a smoothie. I also love to add some dried figs, dates, or fresh berries. Feel free to make it your own!
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 250° F
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until evenly coated. Spread the granola out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and cook for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 30 minutes.
Allow the granola to cool, then enjoy!