Dried Fruit and Cocoa Granola

Guys, I love this dried fruit and cocoa granola! In fact, I love eating granola.

Yes, some have lots of sugars and those thousand and one things that we already know, but once in a while it’s okay and besides, I make my own granola at home.

I think that in general, it’s much healthier and tastier. And do you know why? Because I use only the ingredients I like! The ones that satiate me and give me pleasure.

And of course, cocoa is a must have in this granola. After all, this is a dried fruit and cocoa granola.

I’m usually more of a savory person, but I’m also a glutton! But if you make this granola, you will quickly realize that it’s not extremely sweet. In fact, it even has a salty aftertaste because I always add a pinch of salt.

As I always tell you, you have to live with balance and eat what you like, but with a conscience. And that is why, although I love this granola, I don’t eat it all the time.

I think it’s important to vary my diet and in order to be able to eat several things I like, I have to make choices. And the right choices!

That is, I eat my dried fruit and cocoa granola once in a while, so I can also eat other things, like my toast in the morning, my avocado toast, in short… all those good foods that I like.

If you make this granola without cocoa, you can use it for topping soups for example. Or add it to a salad!

The most important thing is to use your imagination because these recipes are super versatile and very easy to adapt.

You can also make it without oats and add more dried fruit if you prefer. It’s also AMAZING!

This granola is great on top of cookies. Check this Oatmeal and Chocolate Cookies recipe for an example.

 

DRIED FRUIT AND COCOA GRANOLA (1 medium jar):

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups of oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts (with or without skin)
• Sunflower seeds to taste (optional)
• Pumpkin seeds to taste (optional)
• Flaxseeds to taste (optional – I used around 2 tbsp)
• Salt to taste
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

PREPARATION METHOD:

1. Start by choosing whether you prefer to make this granola in a pot, wok, or skillet (if in a skillet, it’s best if it’s a large one, or you can always divide the ingredients and make a little at a time).
2. Put the pan/wok/frying pan on medium heat and add the oats. Let it toast for 1 min.
3. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toast for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly so that they toast evenly.
4. If you choose to add seeds, add them now and mix well.
5. Add a pinch of salt and stir.
6. Add the coconut oil and stir well so that it spreads throughout the mixture.
7. Next, add the maple syrup and stir well.
8. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes or until it looks crispy and turn off the heat.
9. Let cool and add the cocoa powder.
10. Transfer the nuts and cocoa granola to a glass jar and store.
11. Serve on top of yogurt, or oatmeal, or as a topping on pancakes or cakes.

Suggestion: Use the nuts and seeds you like best. I used the ones I like, but the recipe works well with others.

Instead of cocoa, you can use cinnamon, for example.

Add dried wild berries, I think it should be great!

You can also add coconut flakes.