Healthy Home-Made Granola

Finding commercial granola that does not contain oil is nearly impossible. This recipe is perfectly delicious and crunchy, without added oil. Making your own homemade granola is easy, and you don’t even need a food dehydrator. Serve over hot cereal or enjoy as a snack.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup raisins
½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
½ cup orange juice or apple sauce or water (if using orange juice use the orange zest as well)
7-8 Medjool dates, pitted or ½ cup packed pitted dates
1½ tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tsp pure vanilla powder or seeds from 1 to 2 vanilla beans)
1¼ tsp cinnamon (dalchini) powder
½ tsp ground nutmeg (jayphal)

Method

Preheat the oven to 120° C/250° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Place the liquid ingredient, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a bowl and set aside for at least 15 minutes (so the dates can soften). Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
Combine the oats, raisins, and almonds (if using) in a medium bowl.
Pour the date mixture into the bowl of oats, raisins, and nuts, and stir well.
Spread the granola evenly between the two baking sheets, breaking up any large clumps. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and shuffle the granola around with a spatula. Return to the oven (but switch racks for even browning) for 20 to 25 minutes more, or until lightly browned.
Completely cool the granola for maximum crunchiness.
Store in an airtight container.

Storage/Shelf Life
In an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Note
Try any unsweetened fruit juice (orange, tangerine, or apple) instead of water for added sweetness and flavor.
Make sure your raisins have not had oil or sugar added to them.

Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation: About 15 minutes Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6 (makes about 3½ cups)