Oh man, I have been gobbling up s'mores brownies for days now. Someone should stop me, really! I have moments of complete and total guilt for cramming down yet another brownie and then I convince myself its all OK because in-between brownies I have been snacking away on granola like it's going out of style. This protein packed granola has an amazing crunch that doesn't go soggy in my coconut milk, even when I get distracted by a crazed 2 year old. Crispy, crunchy, golden quinoa, who knew?!
Ginger Quinoa Granola
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens
¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well to remove bitterness and well-drained
½ cup whole almonds
½ cup walnut pieces
¼ cup flax seeds
¼ cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp.cinnamon
½ tsp.salt
⅓ cup crystallized ginger pieces, chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl combine the quinoa, almonds, walnuts,and flax seeds and stir well. Heat the maple syrup in a small microwave-safe bowl on high for 20 seconds. Stir in the coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt; continue to stir until the coconut oil is completely melted. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and toss to coat.
Spread the quinoa granola mixture in a thin layer over a parchment line baking sheet.Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring twice during the cook time. Add the chopped ginger pieces and cranberries during the last 5 minutes of cook time.
Cool completely on the baking sheet, as it cools the granola will harden and begin to clump together. When cooled break up any large pieces of granola into small clusters and store for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Sprinkle about a ¼ cup over yogurt or into milk and enjoy...I have even topped vanilla ice cream with this and it is SO good!
Looking for more granola recipes?
We happily shared this recipe at the Thank Goodness it's Quinoa link up party hosted by the Queen of Quinoa. Head on over and get your quinoa on!
We are happy to have shared this post at the Gluten-Free Friday’s link up party hosted by Vegetarian Mama and The Gluten Free R.D.! Hop on over to find more great gf recipes.
Leah says
Are the flax seeds necessary? Is there a substitute?
Meg says
Leah, you can simply leave them out or add another nut or seed that you like in their place.
Aqiyl | Natural Life Energy says
Quinoa and gluten free, two of my favorite words. The dish looks wonderful and fits right in with my vegan appetite.
Meg says
I am so glad! I hope you enjoy it:)
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
Holy moly--this looks divine! I love the crunch (and nutrition!) that quinoa adds to granola. Can't wait to try!
Meg says
Alexis,
Thank you! I hope that you really enjoy it.:)
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
Love that it has quinoa!! Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂
Thanks for linking back to the Gluten Free Fridays post!
See you at the link up this week!
Cindy from vegetarianmamma.com
Penny K. says
What are your thoughts about honey substituted for the maple syrup. I know it will change flavor a bit , but what about consistency?
admin says
Hi Penny! Honey would make a great replacement for the maple syrup. I have had it both ways and I think that they are both winners!
Caitlin says
this looks absolutely fabulous! i love your photos and blog 😉
admin says
Thanks Caitlin!
marla says
Such a tasty looking granola!
admin says
Thanks Marla, I am totally addicted to it right now! 🙂
jane says
Oh my, made this as soon as it arrived in my inbox, and, not four hours later, it is GONE, with plans for several women to make it for themselves. LOVE IT, and it is SOOOO easy to make! Thank you!
admin says
Hi Jane! I am so glad that you enjoyed it and I hope your friends do too. I sent a jar home with my neighbor the other day after I made it because she loved it so much. Totally addicting granola! Thanks for coming back and leaving a comment:)
Alyssa | Queen of Quinoa says
This granola looks amazing! I love using quinoa in granola. Especially uncooked since it gives it that added crunch. I'm hosting a Quinoa link up party on my site and would love for you to enter this recipe if you'd like 🙂
It's a weekend link party that will be hosted bi-weekly called Thank Goodess it's Quinoa (TGIQ):
http://www.queenofquinoa.me/2013/01/thank-goodness-its-quinoa-tgiq-1/
admin says
Thanks Alyssa! That quinoa crunch is unlike any other crunch I have ever had. Does that even make sense?! I will definitely head over and link up:)
Alyssa | Queen of Quinoa says
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe at TGIQ. And yes, I totally know what you mean 😉 The quinoa crunch is one of a kind!
admin says
My pleasure! I am already brainstorming quinoa ideas for the next one!:)