No crumbles invited [Pistachio Vanilla Granola Clusters]

Crunchy, not overly sweet, with the buttery taste of coconut oil and studded with pistachios these granola clusters make a delicious healthy snack any time of the day. 

If you ever find yourself stuck when trying to : ask a blend! Sometimes I’m really eager to share a recipe but can’t think of a more inventive way to describe it than ‘incredibly delicious’ or ‘downright addictive’. You as readers want details though, right? Well, lucky for you said genius blend said she found writing about a dish easiest while actually eating it. No brainer when you think of it – only I hadn’t yet [and I feel it’d be a little messier with my usual casseroles, stews and the likes]. Another reasoning to grab a handful of granola obviously just for the sake of describing it, though? I’m in.

Onto the granola! Maybe you’d guess there wouldn’t be much more to say after already letting you in on its benefits of doubling as a perfume. Then again: can we ever talk about granola too much? The buttery taste of the unrefined coconut oil is what made these clusters for me. In the depths of my ED I once tried another blogger’s granola recipe made without any oil but applesauce and banana in its place. Whether you’re trying my recipe or venture into granola-making yourself: Get however wild you want but don’t skip the oil! Just don’t. Unless you’re a fan of burnt flavourless oats that no amount of cinnamon can save. Talking about cinnamon: it’s another great flavour in this granola. I wanted to let the vanilla and coconut flavours shine so I went light on the cinnamon.

A little story about the nuts of choice in this recipe. Did you ever notice how ridiculously expensive pistachios are?? Probably only topped by macadamias which would otherwise find their way into more of my dishes. But I digress. Pistachios aren’t exactly budget-friendly. If you purchase the shelled ones, that is. Which – needless to say – I did not  do. Yes, I’d rather shell pistachios myself and save the money. To shell it out on almond butter. Priorities.

Speaking of priorities: I’ve told you before that I’m picky when it comes to granola so with this recipe I set out for big clusters only. No crumbs [or at least minimal amounts but who’d be counting]. The chia seeds were a last minute add-in that gives the clusters a delightful chewy bite and keeps them from getting too crunchy for my taste [did I mention I’m a granola snob yet?]. Which is also great if you’d rather turn this recipe into bars because they hold up well. No crumbling issues yet – they’re not invited.

Pistachio Vanilla Granola Clusters

• 1 cup quick [whole grain] oatmeal*
• 70 g/ 3.5 tbsps honey or brown rice syrup [for a vegan version]
• 2 heaped tbsps coconut oil, melted [34 g]
• 1/3 cup crispy cereal [like crispy brown rice cereal]
• 1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped [or more]
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla
• a pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 300 °F/ 150°C.
   Line a small baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a medium-sized bowl stir together the honey and coconut oil. Mix in the cinnamon, vanilla and salt.
   In another bowl combine dry ingredients.
   Add dry into wet ingredients and stir to combine. Make sure everything is well coated in honey.
   Transfer into the prepared pan, spread and press the mixture down.
3. Bake on the middle rack for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and lift the granola on the parchment paper onto a plate. This prevents it from browning further in the hot pan.

*this was all I had but I’m sure it’ll work with old-fashioned rolled oats, too.

Notes:

This recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.

If you’re looking for more sweet or savoury recipe inspiration pay a visit to Kierston‘s Recipe Friday, Allergy-free Wednesdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays and some Strange but good action initiated by Laura.

Happy Friday! If you don’t have any plans for the weekend yet: How about some granola-baking?! (:

 

Happiness inducing today: Some more creative tasks at work making for a welcome break from my usual routine.

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What is your favourite granola [flavour, add-ins, …]?

Have you ever made your own?