Choc-Cherry Granola
If there's one combo I can't get enough of at the moment, it's chocolate and cherry.
Growing up on a farm in Switzerland, every Summer our orchard of fruit trees was filled with the freshest, juices, most flavour-packed cherries and us kids used to climb the trees, picking and eating as much as we could. The fresh cherries are definitely something I look forward to every time I visit my home country in July!
Unfortunately, here in Australia fresh cherries are not only totally unaffordable, but also completely tasteless compared to the ones back in Europe. That means no cherries for Nina, except the frozen ones, but even they just don't quite cut it once you've had the pleasure of tasting fresh ones.
However, the choc-cherry combo somehow makes up for any lack of flavour, especially in the form of this super crunchy granola, with bursts of juicy dried cherries through it!
Not only is this delicious granola free of any refined-sugars and oils, but it's also packed with plant protein, fibre and essential minerals such as magnesium, iron and calcium. It makes the perfect topping for any smoothie bowl or eaten with fresh fruit and dairy-free milk or yoghurt. Or even just on its own as a crunchy snack!
Another bonus: I got all the ingredients for this recipe from my favourite online health store Sprout Market, which I absolutely love because I know they're all great quality, sustainable and so much more affordable than anywhere else!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp water
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 1/2 cup raw buckwheat
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
Method
- Cover the dates with warm water and leave to soak for 10 minutes to soften, then drain. Preheat your oven to 180°C
- In a food processor, blend the soaked dates, water and cacao powder to a smooth purée
- Rinse the quinoa, then combine in a bowl with the oats and buckwheat
- Stir in the date mixture and mix so everything is well coated
- Spread the granola mix on a baking paper lined tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden, taking it out to toss and turn about half way through
- Once slightly cool, stir in the halved dried cherries and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in a sealed glass jar for a couple of weeks
- To make this recipe gluten free, make sure your oats are certified gluten free, or simply substitute for millet or quinoa flakes
This recipe was created in collaboration with Sprout Market, but all opinions are my own.
