A few weeks ago I talked about my attempts at creating a healthy vegan granola recipe that is oil-free and sugar-free. I shared how I embrace my failures as the keys to my success, if I learn from them. Here is the results of my successful creation of a tasty vegan granola that is now a regular feature of my kitchen. Now I can enjoy eating it along with some coconut yogurt and fruit when I’m video chatting with my almost 3 year old grandson. We enjoy comparing the fruit we are eating and pretend sharing bites with each other 😍.
This recipe uses very ripe bananas and dates instead of sugar or maple syrup or honey. It uses tahini instead of oil. And it includes nuts, seeds, and lovely spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. I’ve used raisins in this version. The recipe is open for adaption based on what you like or have available.
If you are used to eating very sweet granola and desserts you may need to give your tastebuds a chance to adapt. In time, if you eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar you are eating you will come to enjoy the natural sweetness. Eventually the over-sweet options will be too sweet! The same goes for eliminating or reducing salt, oil and other things you have become accustomed to. Give yourself time to adjust. As you make healthy choice you’ll discover the real and natural taste of healthy food. If you have to, do a gradual reduction until you have eliminated it altogether. However I find going cold turkey is better!
Here’s the recipe:
- 2-4 very ripe bananas
- For each banana you will need:
- 4 large soft dates, pitted
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- ¼ cup seeds of your choice
- ¼ cup raisins or dried fruit of your choice
- ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ inch piece of ginger
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom
- Mix oats, spices and nuts in a large bowl
- Add bananas, tahini, dates, ginger and vanilla to your blender and blend until smooth (it's ok if the dates are not completely smooth).
- Pour into your bowl and stir well to be sure the oats are completely covered.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking sheets.
- Spread you banana oat mixture evenly over baking sheets.
- Press it down well.
- Bake for 20 min in a 350 F° / 175 C°
- Flip over the granola and break it up a bit
- Add your seeds and coconut and mix
- Return to the oven for another 20-30 minutes
- Remove when it's toasty brown but still soft - Do NOT over bake. Your granola will firm up and get crunchy as it cools.
- Add the dried fruit and mix
- Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before putting into the container of your choice.
What adaptions or substitutions will you try?
I love great food don't you? I've learned how to create delicious, flavor-packed dishes inspired by world cuisines. No boring dishes allowed in my kitchen!
I want to share my secrets with you. Enter your name and email below and get access to my ebook, Unlocking The Secrets To A Flavor Filled Vegan Kitchen.
You'll also get recipe and blog updates by email. Unsubscribe anytime.
(We will never share your email address.)