Quinoa, an ancient whole grain, is so light and fluffy, but it’s actually what makes this granola extra crunchy! It is very versatile and it cooks so fast! I really like adding it to soups and salads.
Crunchy Quinoa Granola
Makes 5 cups
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup pecans
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup ground flax seeds
1/3 cup quinoa, pre-rinsed
1/3 cup poppy seed
1 tsp coarse grain salt
1/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ginger (I used freshly grated)
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup 100% pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. Mix oats, quinoa, nuts, seeds, salt, and spices.
In a pan over low heat combine oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, and molasses until sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
Pour warm mixture over oats and mix until combined. Pour entire mixture onto baking sheet, spread evenly and pat down until flat. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let granola cool completely. Break up into pieces and store in airtight containers.
Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.
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Looks really yummy. Do you rinse the Quinoa first? As I read it had saponins that make it taste bitter. Thanks for the great post Avril
Yeah your totally right! I didn’t rinse the quinoa in this recipe but you def. can to reduce bitterness 🙂 I’ve found that bitterness can depend on the brand of quinoa you buy too. Bob’s Red Mill doesn’t taste bitter to me, but bulk bin quinoa does.
Thanks Kristina
I am making this today. It’s in the oven. I didn’t rinse the Quinoa as I thought it might make the recipe soggy. It certainly smells bitter. Just hoping the cooking gets rid of the bitterness…. We shall see. I’ll have to check out Bob’s Red Mill batch.
Also Ancient Harvest has a pre-rinsed grain too! I’m not sure if rinsing would make it soggy? I’ll make a note of that in the recipe! Thx!
Yum! This would be a great snack. Going to have to try this. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Looks delicious! What a great way to add some awesome protein to an already wonderful snack
Great post! This granola looks amazing! Loved your video!
I have never used molasses. I will have to pick some up to make this.
Your granola looks amazing-definitely on my list to make! Fun video too 🙂
Thanks for the video love. It is my first vlog. Maybe “um” a little rusty, so I didn’t know if I should really post it… haha. But it was fun!
Love your video post along with a super recipe. This would make for great holiday gifts….hmmm…now you have me thinking!
Kristina great to see your video how to….love it.
love your cute apron and headscarf! granola sounds delightful… thanks for sharing!
This is fantastic! Love the addition of poppy seed. Going to make this for sure. Delicious and nutritious. 🙂
yes, yes! i was so hoping i’d see a quinoa granola show up in this month’s challenge. definitely bookmarking this one!