This tahini granola recipe brings together the rich, earthy flavors of tahini with the crunch of oats and nuts. The inclusion of cardamom and cinnamon adds a hint of warmth and spice, while the coconut lends a subtle sweetness and additional texture. Ideal for breakfast or as a snack, it's nutritious, filling and full of flavor.
While most ingredients in this recipe are fairly common, tahini might not be found in everyone's pantry. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and it's often used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It can usually be found in the international aisle of a supermarket. Additionally, cardamom, a fragrant spice commonly used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking, may not be readily available in Western supermarkets and might require a trip to a specialty store.
Key Ingredients for Tahini Granola
Old-fashioned oats: These oats will provide the base for your granola. They have a more substantial texture than instant oats, helping to create a satisfying crunch.
Nuts: Nuts add both texture and nutritional value to the granola. You can use a mix of your favorite kinds.
Tahini: This sesame seed paste brings a savoury, nutty flavor to the granola.
Honey: Honey acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the granola together.
Coconut oil: This oil is used for its mild flavor and the crisp texture it gives to the granola.
Vanilla extract: It enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Sea salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
Cardamom and Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and depth to the granola.
Sesame seeds: They add an extra crunch and complement the flavor of the tahini.
Shredded coconut: This adds a tropical hint and a chewy texture.
One reader, Guy Clanton says:
This tahini granola recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tahini, honey, and coconut oil creates the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors. The granola turned out perfectly crunchy and golden brown. It's now my go-to breakfast option, and I can't wait to make it again!
Key Techniques for Perfect Tahini Granola
How to prepare the tahini mixture: Combine the tahini, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and sesame seeds. Heat briefly in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warm, but not bubbly. Stir until smooth.
How to bake the granola: Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees F, stirring once halfway through, and keeping an eye on the granola to ensure that it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle the coconut on top, and give the mixture a good stir. Bake for 5 to 10 more minutes, or until the granola is lightly toasted and golden.
How to cool the granola: After removing the baking sheet from the oven, transfer it to a wire baking rack. Without stirring the granola, let it cool until it reaches room temperature.
How to store the granola: Break the granola up into the desired size of clumps. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
How To Make Tahini Granola
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsold-fashioned oats
- 1cupnuts
- ½cuptahini
- ½cuphoney
- 3tbspcoconut oil,melted
- 2tspvanilla extract
- ¾tspsea salt
- ½tspground cardamom
- ½tspground cinnamon
- 2tbspsesame seeds,optional
- ⅓cupunsweetened shredded coconut,optional
Instructions
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Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine oats and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, stir together the tahini, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, salt, cardamom, cinnamon and sesame seeds (if using). Heat briefly in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warm, but not bubbly. Stir again until smooth.
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Pour the tahini mixture over the oats mixture, and stir until evenly combined.
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Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, and keeping an eye on the granola to ensure that it doesn’t burn.
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Remove pan from the oven, sprinkle the coconut on top, and give the mixture a good stir. Bake for 5 to 10 more minutes, or until the granola is lightly toasted and golden.
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Remove baking sheet from the oven and transfer to a wire baking rack. Without stirring the granola, let it granola cool until it reaches room temperature.
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Break the granola up into desired size of clumps. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Calories: 901.45kcal
- Fat: 54.90g
- Saturated Fat: 18.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.35g
- Carbohydrates: 94.29g
- Fiber: 13.53g
- Sugar: 36.60g
- Protein: 20.70g
- Sodium: 398.25mg
- Calcium: 232.90mg
- Potassium: 632.41mg
- Iron: 7.88mg
- Vitamin A: 1.29µg
- Vitamin C: 0.52mg
Crucial Technique for Optimal Tahini Granola Texture
To ensure your tahini granola has the perfect crunch and doesn't burn, it's crucial to keep a close eye on it while it's in the oven. The granola can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of minutes. Therefore, it's recommended to stir the granola halfway through the baking process to ensure even toasting. Additionally, allowing the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clumps will help it achieve the desired crunchy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Measure out all the ingredients the night before to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of granola and store it in an airtight container for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to save time searching for ingredients and utensils.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and blenders to speed up the prep process.
Substitute Ingredients For Tahini Granola Recipe
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can be used as a gluten-free alternative to oats, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor.
nuts - Substitute with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower): Seeds can be used as a nut-free alternative, adding crunch and nutrition to the granola.
tahini - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the granola.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative to honey, providing sweetness and moisture to the granola.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to coconut oil, providing richness and a subtle fruity flavor.
sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can be used as a mineral-rich alternative to sea salt, enhancing the flavor of the granola.
ground cardamom - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to cardamom.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice can be used as a substitute, providing a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the granola.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Chia seeds can provide a similar crunch and nutritional boost to the granola.
unsweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can add a sweet and chewy texture to the granola, replacing the coconut flakes.
Presenting Your Homemade Tahini Granola
Elevate the granola: Present the granola in a small ceramic bowl or a glass jar with a lid. This will give it a sophisticated and refined look, perfect for a Michelin-starred presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the granola with delicate edible flowers, such as pansies or violets. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle floral note to the dish.
Incorporate texture contrast: Create a visually stunning presentation by layering the granola with creamy Greek yogurt in a glass parfait dish. The contrast in textures will make the dish visually appealing and inviting.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace the concept of minimalism by presenting the granola in a white porcelain bowl. This clean and simple presentation will allow the natural colors and textures of the granola to take center stage.
Add a drizzle of honey: Before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of honey over the granola. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates an artistic and inviting presentation.
Serve with fresh fruit: Accompany the granola with a side of vibrant, freshly sliced seasonal fruits. Arrange the fruits artfully around the granola to create a visually appealing and refreshing presentation.
Utilize elegant serving utensils: Opt for stainless steel serving spoons or tongs to serve the granola. The use of high-quality utensils will add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Present in individual servings: Serve the granola in individual glass jars or ramekins to create a personalized and upscale presentation. This individualized approach adds a sense of luxury to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Granola
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by providing a consistent heat source.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used to bake cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Large mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients for recipes.
- Small saucepan: A cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for heating and cooking small amounts of food or liquid.
- Wire baking rack: A metal rack used for cooling baked goods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to chop, blend, and puree food quickly and efficiently.
Storing and Freezing Your Tahini Granola
Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Store the cooled tahini granola in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a resealable plastic bag. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or flavors.
If you prefer your granola to have more clusters, avoid stirring it too much once it has cooled. Gently break it into the desired size of clumps before storing.
Keep the container of granola in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the moisture can cause the granola to become soft and lose its crunch.
When stored properly, your homemade tahini granola should stay fresh for up to 1 month at room temperature.
If you want to keep your granola for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen granola, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore its crunchiness.
How To Reheat Leftover Tahini Granola
To reheat leftover tahini granola, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is warm and slightly toasted. This method will help restore the granola's crunch and bring out the flavors of the nuts, spices, and sesame seeds.
For a quicker option, you can reheat smaller portions of tahini granola in the microwave. Place the desired amount of granola in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the granola is warm and slightly crispy. Be careful not to overheat the granola, as it may become chewy or burn.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can reheat the tahini granola in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add the granola. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the granola is warm and slightly softened. This method works well if you plan to serve the granola with yogurt or milk, as the softer texture will complement the creamy base.
For a no-heat option, you can enjoy leftover tahini granola straight from the container at room temperature. The flavors of the tahini, honey, and spices will still be prominent, and the granola will retain its original texture. This method is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack on the go.
Interesting Trivia About Tahini Granola
The tahini granola recipe is a versatile and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. Tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, adds a unique and rich flavor to the granola. It is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the combination of oats, nuts, and coconut provides a satisfying crunch and a variety of textures. This homemade granola is a great way to incorporate tahini into your diet and enjoy a delicious and wholesome treat.
Is Making Tahini Granola at Home Cost-Effective?
This tahini granola recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as oats, nuts, and honey, are commonly found in pantries. However, the cost of tahini and coconut oil may be slightly higher. The versatility of this granola makes it a worthwhile investment, as it can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal, a topping for yogurt, or a standalone snack. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a reasonable choice for a homemade, nutritious option. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is Tahini Granola Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tahini granola recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional granola recipes. It contains several nutritious ingredients such as oats, nuts, tahini, and coconut, which provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The use of honey as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar is also a plus. However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of added sweeteners and oil, which can contribute to high calorie and fat content.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey and coconut oil used, or replace them with healthier alternatives like maple syrup and coconut butter
- Increase the proportion of oats and nuts to boost the fiber and protein content
- Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for natural sweetness and additional nutrients
- Experiment with different spices and flavors, such as ginger, nutmeg, or orange zest, to enhance the taste without relying on added sugars
- Serve the granola with fresh fruits and low-fat yogurt to create a balanced and satisfying breakfast or snack
Editor's Take on This Delightful Tahini Granola
The tahini granola recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of nutty tahini, sweet honey, and warm spices creates a rich and aromatic base for the oats and nuts. The addition of coconut adds a pleasant crunch and a hint of tropical flavor. The granola is versatile and can be enjoyed with yogurt, milk, or as a standalone snack. It's a wholesome and satisfying treat that is perfect for breakfast or anytime you need a nutritious pick-me-up.
Enhance Your Tahini Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Tahini Granola
Why trust this Tahini Granola Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a unique twist on traditional granola, incorporating the rich and nutty flavor of tahini with a touch of sweetness from honey. The combination of wholesome oats and crunchy nuts provides a satisfying texture, while the warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon add depth to the flavor profile. With the addition of coconut and sesame seeds, this granola offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors in this #recipe#, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
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