21 Day Fix Approved Homemade Crunchy Granola

You know what I love? Rediscovering a snack I hadn’t eaten in a while. It’s kind of reminiscent of finding a crumpled $5 bill in the bottom on my purse or in a jacket I hadn’t worn in a while- such a pleasant surprise! I had this experience with the always-delicious and aromatic 21 Day Fix Approved homemade crunchy granola I made yesterday. 

I get it. No one needs another recipe for making granola, as it’s pretty simple- oats, nuts, honey, pure maple syrup or agave, and some cinnamon. Really, just like vegetable soup or an omelet, you can pretty much add whatever you want and it will be delicious.

Still, I’ve eaten my fair share of homemade granola over the years and figured it would be fun to share my new favorite ingredient. Coriander -Although the term coriander is used in much of the world in reference to both cilantro leaves and seeds, in the Americas, it generally refers to the dried cilantro seeds which are used as a spice both in whole form and ground. Coriander seeds have a bit of a spicy, citrus flavor and are available in the spice aisle of most markets.

It really does liven up the granola. Complemented by the sunflower or coconut oil, and lightly toasted to give you a wonderful and satisfying breakfast or snack. It’s also much more healthier than store bought granola. My husband could eat it all if I allow him. And all the ingredients are 21 Day Fix approved. 

21 Day Fix Approved Homemade Crunchy Granola

Ingredients:

• 3-6 cups rolled oats (6 cups is a double batch)
• 1 cup slivered or roughly chopped raw almonds
• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1-2 teaspoons coriander
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup coconut oil or sunflower oil
• 1-2 cups dried fruit of your choice: raisins, cranberries, pineapple, mango, cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients and stir to combine.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Remove from heat and add the maple syrup and honey. Stir well.
4. Pour the coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to coat.
5. Line a large sheet pan with parchment and spread the granola out in an even layer on the pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the pan from the oven and stir the granola, returning it to an even layer. Put the pan back in the oven and cook 10 minutes more or until lightly toasted brown. Stir again and let cool. Add dried fruit and mix well.
7.  Store in an airtight container or jar.