If you're looking for a granola that is scrumptious but also good for the body, this is the one for you! My peanut butter granola has all the crunch and flavor you love with the anti-inflammatory, nutritious benefits you need.
Peanut Butter Granola has always been a favorite of mine and it is something I have been making for years. The recipe is high-protein, oil-free, and full of healthy carbs and sugars for natural energy. But one day I thought, "How could I make this recipe even better for the body?" The answer was Omega-3s, the amazing, anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid that most people do not get enough of nowadays. If you want a little more in-depth explanation of this incredible molecule, head over to my Superfoods and Supplements I Take on a Plant-based Diet post. In a nutshell, Omega-3s support heart health, brain health, nervous system health, eye health, and, in my opinion, the most amazing aspect is its ability to promote anti-inflammatory pathways in your body. This granola is perfect for those who suffer from chronic illnesses that cause chronic inflammation and fatigue. These can include Systemic Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Inflammatory Bowl Disease, etc. Omega-3s are also essential fatty acids, meaning our body cannot make it, thus we must consume it in either our food or supplements. One serving of this granola gives you more than your daily value of Omega-3s, 0.61 grams!
The Ingredients in my Peanut Butter Granola that make it Omega-3 rich are the ground flax, hemp hearts, and pumpkin seeds! These are all little power houses that you can add into, not only this recipe, but a multitude of others. They are great to keep in your pantry!
Because Omega-3s are essential in the basic structure of many important cells in our body, such as eye and brain cells, it is very important in the developmental stages of life. Hence, this yummy granola is spectacular for kids! The recipe is very easy and great for little human hands to help in the process. Make the toppings their favorite kinds of nuts or fruits and let them build their own bowl! This encourages children to not only be creative but enjoy a healthy meal that they assisted in building.
I add pumpkin seeds and sundried blueberries to the granola once it is cooled for some extra vitamins and minerals. Feel free to mix these up and add your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or even toasted coconut flakes! With all dried ingredients, the granola can be stored in an airtight container for three to four weeks in your pantry. This means you can even double the recipe and meal prep for a couple of weeks. You can eat this dry as a snack, or add fresh fruit and some almond milk on top for a well-rounded breakfast. Be creative and enjoy the incredible health benefits of this hearty, nutrient packed Granola!
Omega-3 Rich Peanut Butter Granola
Prep time: 8 min Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine:Vegan, Oil-free, Anti-inflammatory
Servings: 5 Category: Breakfast
1/2 cup maple syrup, pure
1/2 cup peanut butter, natural unsalted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups oats, rolled
1/4 cup quinoa, dry
1 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tbsp flax seed, ground
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, raw
1/3 cup dried blueberries
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C)
2. Put peanut butter and maple syrup into a microwave safe bowl and heat in microwave for twenty seconds, remove and mix until combined. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
3. Mix together oats, quinoa, hemp hearts, flax, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and mix to combine.
4. Spread out oat mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet and put in oven to bake for ten minutes.
5. After ten minutes, stir oats around and place back in over for another seven minutes.
6. Stir oats in oven one last time and cook for a final five minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely **
8. Once cool, add in pumpkin seeds, blueberries, and store in airtight container for up to 3-4 weeks.
Notes
**When the oats come out of the oven they should be lightly golden around the edges. **The oats will not be completely dried out and crunchy until they are cooled, so don't be alarmed if they are still moist when they come out of the oven.
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