Has anyone ever called you granola? And if so, have you ever wondered why someone would ever call you granola? The not-serious-and-always-humourous Urban Dictionary defines being “granola” as a human being who is a new age/more civilized hippie who can usually be found journaling in the middle of the forest, wearing Birkenstocks and athletic shorts (always ready to hike or go on an adventure at any moment, a backpack with a water bottle and with dreadlocks (all over or just one or two). The phrase “save the world” in their vocabulary is interchangeable with “travel the world and meet cool people from different cultures” (usually talking about Africa).
Example: Ever since she moved to Portland, she has become so granola. All she wants to do is go hiking in her Birkenstocks and she always brings her hammock with her wherever she goes.
Holy shit.. did I literally just describe myself?? I mean, besides having dreadlocks and a portable hammock, that pretty much sums me up… Well this awkward…
Anyways, lets now talk about me being granola, let’s talk about THIS granola! This granola isn’t like all the other granolas….This is a different granola. It’s special.
It’s special because it is the best of both worlds combining sweet and savoury. Flavours from fresh herbs like rosemary and sage are very aromatic and hearty, and they are accompanied alongside sweet spices such as cinnamon and cardamom which are two spices that, to explain in only two words, bring happiness. Most granolas are on the sweeter side and have a lot of refined sugar in them. Not this one folks.
Enjoy this granola as a morning cereal, as a garnish on a smoothie bowl or even soup, or keep a mason jar of it in your backpack while you’re busy being a hippie exploring the forest or swinging on your hammock.
recipe notes:
- You can use whichever nuts you prefer. Overall, the recipe needs 1 1/2 C of raw unsalted nuts so get creative and use whatever you like!
- I like using dried cranberries that have been sweetened with apple juice instead of sugar. I find that they taste better and do not have refined sugar in them. They can often be found in health food stores or in the bulk section of grocery stores with a big health food section.
- Can use coconut oil instead.
- Can use honey if you don’t need this recipe to be vegan.
Sweet & Savoury Granola
This granola is SOOOO not your regular granola. It's cool granola.
- November 11, 2019
- 6-7 C
- 30 min
- Print this
Ingredients
- 4 C old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 C pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 C walnut pieces
- 1/2 C macadamia nuts
- 3/4 C dried cranberries
- 1 tsp mineral salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, minced
- 1/2 C olive oil
- 3/4 C maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 C white chocolate chips
Directions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients including the spices and fresh herbs. Pour in the olive oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and stir very well.
- Step 3
- Transfer granola to the baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. Bake for 22 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Step 4
- Let the granola completely cool before breaking it apart and transferring it to an airtight container.
