I’ve been on a granola kick lately. Glass jars fill my counter space with different ingredients: nuts, fruits, spices, and oats.
It’s been a great way to start my morning the past week. A bowl of crunchy granola with a drizzle of almond or coconut milk. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of fresh fruit to the bowl, too.
For this granola, I decided to use bananas to add a gentle sweetness. I didn’t want it to taste too much like banana bread, so I added some dried coconut to make it more tropical. Add a bit of fresh pineapple to your bowl and drizzle with coconut milk, and you are off to the tropics!
~Gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, soy-free, vegan, and sugar-free
Ingredients
- 3 bananas, mashed
- 3 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup dried, unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons flax
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300*
- Combine all ingredients until evenly mixed, and spread in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crunchy. Stir the granola once or twice throughout cooking time.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving or storing. The granola will crisp up more while it cools.
This recipe is linked to Allergy Free Wednesdays 04/11/12.
Health Benefits:
- Oats: Oats contain loads of vitamins and minerals to keep you full and energized throughout the day. They can lower cholesterol, burn fat, reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, regulate bowel movements, reduce blood pressure, reduce risks of cancer because of oat’s phytochemical, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Coconut: Coconut is widely misunderstood because of it’s high fat content; however, coconut’s saturated fat is made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chains are easy to absorb and digest, and are converted quickly into energy. This means that the body is less likely to store the medium-chain as fat. Coconut is also a great source of dietary fiber with a whopping 5 grams per oz!
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help the body’s circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain. This also helps maintain a regular heartbeat and a proper balance of water in the body. It also contains tryptophan to help relax you and lift your spirits!
- Cinnamon: Studies have shown that it can help lower LDL cholesterol, help regulate blood sugar levels, has anti-clotting effect on blood, and it can boost cognitive function and memory.
Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:
Are you a granola muncher? If so, what is your favorite flavor?
Psst! Still in the mood for more granola? Try my Pumpkin Spice Latte Granola!
Follow Me!