Almost Raw Paleo Granola
I’m always on the lookout for good, healthy snacks that are easy to make. This Paleo granola is certainly not low in calories, but they are healthy calories. It’s great for growing kids, or for before (or during) exercising. Put it on Greek yogurt, or eat it as is for breakfast. If you add some very dark chocolate chips
Before I share the recipe I want to let you know why I chose these particular nuts, and why I made it “almost raw.” Nuts can be very good for you when eaten correctly! They have omega 3s and 6s, protein, fiber, and lots of vitamins and minerals. They are best raw, because the roasting process can alter the fats in a bad way and break down the nutrients. This granola is roasted at 170 degrees F to avoid these issues. Here’s an article that gives more specifics about why nuts should be roasted this way.
Another thing to keep in mind when you eat nuts is that it is important to balance the omega 6s and omega 3s. The ratio of 6s to 3s should be about 4:1. Most nuts have way more 6s than 3s, though, so I made sure to add walnuts and flax seeds to boost the 3s.
Here’s the recipe:
- 1 Cup Raw Almonds
- 1 Cup Raw Walnuts
- 1 Cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Raw Honey
or Pure Maple Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Ground Flax Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
(link is non-GMO)
- 1/2 Cup Raisins
(link is non-GMO)
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
- 2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
Preheat oven to 170 degrees. In a small bowl combine vanilla and honey or maple syrup. In a large bowl combine all the other ingredients. Stir the liquid mixture into the nuts, making sure to incorporate all the flax meal that probably fell to the bottom. Spread out the mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I also sprayed my parchment paper with coconut oil, but this was probably unnecessary. Bake for about 20 minutes, then let it sit on the counter until cool. If you want it a little crunchier you can cook it longer, but I thought 20 minutes was enough. Enjoy!
