DIY Recipe: Make Granola at Home to Put Together a Healthy Breakfast Bowl

There are certain foods that regularly appear on our breakfast tables – cereals being the most common. From corn flakes, muesli, oats and much more, we have a range of breakfast cereals to choose from. In fact, go into any supermarket, and the cereal aisle will leave you spoiled for choice. These cereals are simple, ready to eat and fulfilling to the core. All you need to do is mix it with curd or milk, top it with fruits of your choice and consume it. One such popular breakfast cereal is granola. Over the years, granola has gained immense popularity due to its taste and availability. It is a toasted mixture of rolled oats, nuts, dried fruits and sweeteners such as sugar or honey.

Is muesli the same as granola?

Looking at the ingredients, one might get confused between muesli and granola. Both are cereals made from oats that also include nuts and dried fruits. But the main difference is in the process (of making the grain). While granola is baked and usually sweetened, muesli remains raw and is sweetened only with dried fruits.

Traditionally, muesli is soaked in milk (eg overnight Oat) and serve chilled. You can also make porridge by boiling it with milk. On the other hand, granola is crunchy and can be enjoyed straight from the packet. You can also use it as a crunchy topping for your smoothie bowls.

Read also: Breakfast Cereal vs. Eggs: Which Makes for a Healthier Morning Meal?

Is it healthy to eat granola?

Healthy ingredients like oats, nuts and seeds make granola a popular breakfast cereal. Let us look at some of the major health benefits of granola.

High on Fiber and Protein:

Oats, nuts and seeds are rich in dietary fiber ad protein. These factors help boost metabolism and keep you full for longer.

Improving Gut Health:

As mentioned earlier, granola is loaded with dietary fiber which promotes digestion and proper bowel movement. It protects us from problems like indigestion, acid reflux etc. which promotes overall health of the gut.

Rich in Antioxidants:

The ingredients used in granola are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These factors help flush out toxins and prevent free radical damage in the body.

While we agree, granola makes a healthy breakfast cereal, the calorie content (due to added sweeteners) often makes it a point of contention, especially among fitness enthusiasts. What if we say, we found an easy solution?!

We’ve got a recipe that will help you make granola at home, without any sweeteners or preservatives. And the best part is, you can store homemade granola in your pantry anytime.

Read also: 5 Popular Breakfast Foods You Thought Were Healthy But Aren’t

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How to make sugar-free granola at home:

Ingredients for Homemade Granola:

All you need to make healthy granola at home are rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, orange juice, olive oil, dried berries and almonds.

Homemade Granola Recipe:

Start by preheating the oven. Meanwhile, juice the oats and add all the other ingredients to it. Mix well and spread on a baking tray. Bake for 45 minutes. Keep turning the mixture frequently for even baking. Leave it on till it cools down. Click here for recipe.

How to store and serve granola:

To store it for a long time, first cool the granola completely on the baking pan. Then take a clean, airtight container and pour the grains into it. Do not refrigerate Instead, store in a cool, dry place. This will help you to preserve it for a month.

You can eat it as a snack or enjoy a wholesome meal by sprinkling it on milk or yogurt. You can also use it as a garnishing element on smoothies, cakes and more.

What are you waiting for? Prepare delicious cereals at home and make your breakfast delicious.