Say hello to my new favorite thing.
This granola is absolutely addicting! After making it and eating for breakfasts and snacks all week long, I don’t think I’ll ever buy granola from the store again. No need. I’ve developed my granola for life right here, folks, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with all of you!
This granola is made using old fashioned oats, steel cut oats and amaranth, an ancient grain that provides a ton of crunch and lots of nutrients! Combine all that with pecans, coconut, cranberries and a touch of maple syrup and you’ve got the most delicious breakfast around. I can’t get enough.
There’s just something about winter that makes you want to bake granola, right?! Maybe that’s just me. I get a lot of joy from spending an afternoon inside baking a big batch of granola and then keeping it in a large mason jar next to my sunny kitchen window. The grains that I use in this recipe (old fashioned oats, steel cut oats and amaranth) can be easily found in the bulk section of most large health food stores. If you can’t find the amaranth (I found this at Whole Foods), you can simply omit it and add more steel cut oats instead.
The amaranth takes on even more of a toasty flavor because we’re “popping” it here! Yep, just like popping popcorn on the stove if you still do that. It’s incredibly easy and only takes an extra five minutes. Just be careful not to let the amaranth burn!
I love using coconut oil in my granola recipes, especially when I’m already adding unsweetened coconut to the mix. It’s healthy, delicious and also makes a killer hair mask if you’re wondering. I realize I haven’t posted a gluten-free / vegan recipe in awhile {my friend Hawley always begs me for more vegan recipes} so here you go. If you are GF, just make sure the oats you buy are also.
I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I do! It’s definitely going on a routine rotation in this house.
yields about 4 cups granola
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup steel cut oats
1/3 cup amaranth (see note)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1 cup dried cranberries
1 heaping cup roughly chopped raw pecans
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat. Set aside.
Place the amaranth in a medium sized pot with a tight fitting lid over medium/high heat. Amaranth should soon start to pop like popcorn and get a lovely toasty smell. Remove from heat after about 5 minutes – be careful not to let amaranth burn. Shaking the pot while it’s on the heat helps this.
Place the popped amaranth in a large mixing bowl along with the steel cut oats, old fashioned oats, chopped pecans, cranberries, coconut, cinnamon and salt. Toss to mix.
In a small saucepot over medium high heat, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Bring to a boil then remove from heat and pour over granola mixture. Toss very well so all granola has been coated lightly in the syrup/oil mixture.
Divide the granola amongst the two sheet trays and spread out with a spoon. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once cool, granola will keep in a sealed tupperware or jar for up to three weeks.
Time:
1 hour
Averie @ Averie Cooks
January 9, 2014 at 3:10 amThis looks so hearty and that I would be going back for handful. After handful. After handful. I love the popped texture of amaranth and coconut oil is my Bff. Pinned
brittany
January 9, 2014 at 3:39 amI’m eating a huge bowl of yogurt and granola right night! Will have to try this one!! 🙂
Tina@GottaRunNow
January 9, 2014 at 3:55 amThe cranberries and pecans would taste great in this. Granola is one of my favorite foods to make. I like to use it as a topping on plain yogurt.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
January 9, 2014 at 4:15 amI love making my own granola! It always tastes better, and it’s so much cheaper that way!
Sarah Toasty
January 9, 2014 at 4:21 amI’ve always wanted to make my own granola. I’ve never worked with amaranth, it is definitely on my list now!
Madison
January 9, 2014 at 4:25 amI haven’t tried amaranth–but you’ve got me intrigued! 🙂 I love almost every thing granola and definitely love everything you make–so this has to be a winner.
Deb @ Dietitian Debbie Dishes
January 9, 2014 at 4:41 amI’m eating the last bit of my recent batch of granola right now. I’ll have to restock with your version this weekend after I hit up the Whole Foods bulk bins! Amaranth is new for me but I love finding and trying new grains.
Chicago Jogger
January 9, 2014 at 4:59 amMaking homemade granola is on my list for this month! This recipe sounds delicious.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
January 9, 2014 at 5:26 amOh my gosh, I think this could very quickly become my new favourite thing too! I love making my own granola and think that home made always ends up tasting better than store bought. It’s also kind of therapeutic in a way…. or maybe that’s just me! Either way, I can’t wait to try this!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
January 9, 2014 at 6:05 amgranola is a my morning ritual too..love to try with amaranth soon.
Karen
January 9, 2014 at 6:49 amCan’t wait to make this! Never had amaranth but we eat gluten free so I’m excited for new options.
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
January 9, 2014 at 6:53 amMy bag of amaranth has been eyeing me unopened for weeks! Now I know exactly how to use it 🙂 Thanks girl!
Claire Gallam
January 9, 2014 at 6:56 amI love this recipe!! I suck at granola so I’m definitely going to try this recipe!
Myra
January 9, 2014 at 7:01 amAren’t steel cut oats too hard for granola? Does the baking soften them up? I would not want to break a tooth!
jenna
January 9, 2014 at 7:09 amNot at all, actually! Baking makes them very crunchy – like little seeds. Try it! 🙂
Myra
January 9, 2014 at 7:19 amI will try it then! Thanks!!
Robyn @thereallife_RD
January 9, 2014 at 7:36 pmbuckwheat is great is granola too because it softens!
Laura
January 9, 2014 at 7:09 amThis looks a delicious and the perfect snack! I’m inspired to go out and buy amaranth so I can make this.
Ashley B.
January 9, 2014 at 7:20 amThis granola looks and sounds delicious! Thank you for the inspiration I needed to start making my own granola again. 🙂
erin @hooleywithaz
January 9, 2014 at 7:22 amfor whatever reason, i feel like i have to pump myself up to get all the ingredients for homemade granola, because it just feels so daunting. even though i know it’s not. and this looks so good!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
January 9, 2014 at 7:54 amThis looks delicious!!! I’ve never made granola before. I bet this is so much better than the store-bought stuff!
Cassie
January 9, 2014 at 8:08 amI love homemade oats! Yum!
Bryony @ Friday Night Dinners -- PDX
January 9, 2014 at 9:43 amThis looks great! And I love the addition of amaranth!
Gina
January 9, 2014 at 10:03 amI like adding a little pumpkin to granola recipes…but really, it’s more of an excuse to use the rest of the can to make a pumpkin chocolate chip loaf!!
Katrina @ WVS
January 9, 2014 at 11:02 amI love the sound of this! So yummy!
Jordan Lynn // Life Between Lattes
January 9, 2014 at 12:42 pmThis looks delicious, and I always love trying out new grains!
allie @ 6000 miles to home
January 9, 2014 at 1:27 pmI’m intrigued – have no idea what amaranth tastes like! The local Berkeley Bowl must have it – I’ll give it a try 🙂
Coty and Mariah@quirksandtwists
January 9, 2014 at 3:32 pmThis looks delicious! I can never have too many granola recipes!
Robyn @thereallife_RD
January 9, 2014 at 7:37 pmyum! this would be perfect with some chilly vanilla almond milk..or you know, by the handful.
Alanna
January 9, 2014 at 7:49 pmNothing smells better than homemade granola baking in the oven, FACT. I will definitely be giving this a try! YUM
Bekah @ She.Walks.In.Freedom
January 9, 2014 at 8:04 pmLooks yummy! Something fun to cook during my Jterm!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
January 10, 2014 at 3:45 amI’ve never really used amaranth before, but this sounds amazing! I’ll definitely have to try it out!
Dominique
January 10, 2014 at 11:33 amIs there another grain I could substitute for the amaranth? I want to make this like right.now but I don’t have amaranth. My alternatives are raw buckwheat groats and millet. Do you think either of those would be okay? And toasted or untoasted?
Jamie | Thrifty Veggie Mama
January 10, 2014 at 2:13 pmI make a batch of granola every week and I’ve had some amaranth in the pantry that I wasn’t sure what to do with. I’ll have to make this!
Beth
January 10, 2014 at 7:02 pmThis is amazing. I made it today, I couldn’t wait to go buy the amaranth so I just added some extra oats and steel cut oats as suggested. I did sprinkle in some ground flax seed for the health benefits. Delish! I may never buy granola again. ( I did add some almonds because I love them)
Thanks for the recipe. Super easy!!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
January 10, 2014 at 9:43 pmI am absolutely obsessed with popped amaranth. I usually just enjoy it on top of yogurt but will definitely have to try it in granola.
emily
January 11, 2014 at 1:54 pmThis sounds really good. Unfortunately neither I nor most of my kids like coconut (though the coconut oil is fine). Any suggestions on an alternative? Just up the pecans accordingly?
jenna
January 13, 2014 at 7:41 amYou can just omit the coconut if you like.
Emily @ Life on Food
January 12, 2014 at 11:24 amThis looks amazing. I added cinnamon to my maple granola recipe last time and oh what a difference. I am going out to buy some amaranth now. I have heard so much about it. This looks like the perfect recipe to try it out.
Joy
January 12, 2014 at 11:42 amAny helpful hints on popping the amaranth? It seems only half of it pops then it burns. I have tried both stainless and teflon pans.
jenna
January 13, 2014 at 7:41 amYou really only can pop what you can. As soon as you sense that the amaranth may burn, pull it off the stove. It’s fine if not every piece pops. 🙂
Joyce
January 12, 2014 at 5:49 pmSounds delicious and filling. Love it 🙂
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
January 12, 2014 at 8:58 pmHomemade granola is one of my favorite things, and I love trying new granola recipes. I’ve never tried amaranth before but now you have me intrigued… I will have to look for it the next time I’m at the grocery store. Thanks for this recipe!
Mary
January 13, 2014 at 7:46 amI made this last night and it is delicious. The only issue is the cranberries are really hard – everything else seems nicely toasted. Is that from baking too long?
Courtney R
January 13, 2014 at 8:22 amRandom question….I would like to begin incorporating yoga into my workouts this year. I am runner but I know I need to increase my flexibility. I am looking for a basic, beginner dvd or routine online. Can you recommend something? My goal is not to make this my cardio but to improve flexibility and muscular strength.
Thank you for all suggestions!!
Leslie
January 15, 2014 at 1:29 pmThis was DELICICIOUS!! Thanks for sharing . I was skeptical about the steel cut oats but they really added a nice crunch!
Connie
January 18, 2014 at 11:08 amMy new routine is homemade yogart with the Cuisinart yogart maker, your granola, honey and blueberries. I really have more energy. Thanks Jenna, love your blog!
Caroline
January 19, 2014 at 3:27 pmI gave this a shot, but it ended up pretty hard to chew. I think I had trouble getting the steel cut oats to soften, and the amaranth didn’t quite pop somehow. I followed the recipe pretty closely — any suggestions or tips? I’d love to try it again. The flavor, sweetness is just perfect, otherwise.
jenna
January 20, 2014 at 4:40 pmHmmm..interesting. My steel cut oats didn’t “soften” necessarily, but they became light and crunchy — definitely not hard to chew. My best suggestion would be to try again and watch your oven. Make sure you cook it long enough so the steel cut oats have time to get crunchy. The amaranth will not appear popped like popcorn does, rather it just gets toasty look to it. You can omit it if you’re not a fan though.
Kim
January 20, 2014 at 4:26 pmOk, making this now for week ahead!
WIAW (but actually WIAFriday) and Day in the Life |
February 5, 2014 at 11:28 am[…] Breakfast: coconut Chobani, banana, and Eat Live Run’s granola […]
Internet Gems | Belle Boulevard
February 26, 2014 at 7:03 am[…] Oat and Amaranth Granola from Eat Live Run […]
Weekly Meal Plan - Annotations On Love
March 26, 2014 at 9:40 am[…] week’s cooking projects: bone broth, homemade yogurt, this granola: http://www.eatliverun.com/oat-and-amaranth-granola/, and something baked like banana bread, cookies or a tea cake, it depends on how motivated I get […]
Beth
April 22, 2014 at 5:37 amI made this without the amaranth because I didn’t have it on hand and I was too impatient to wait. It was fabulous. Now, I have the amaranth and can’t wait to try popping it and adding it to the recipe. Thanks for a great go to granola. I feel so much better about making it myself than purchasing the prepackaged varieties.