Savory Granola

Who said that granola has to be sweet and just for breakfast? I’m giving this classic treat a rich makeover with bold flavors that will add a delightful crunchy twist to your salad or soup. The recipe for this Savory Granola is so easy that involves only three steps and is perfect for meal prepping, as you can store it in a glass container for any occasion. The crispiness remains intact, and I’m sure you won’t be able to resist because one handful leads to another.

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This Savory Granola came to my mind one day while I was enjoying a vegetable soup. It was delicious, but I needed more substance and intense flavor. I couldn’t bear the thought of adding more grains or croutons, so I thought of this tactic to enhance the classic sweet recipe. For this, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives and parmesan add richness, while pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and chopped walnuts provide a crunchy texture.

The raise of granola is linked to the health movement led by Graham and Kellogg in the 1800s, who promoted a diet based on whole grains. Originally, granola was created as a healthy breakfast packed with natural and wholesome ingredients. It is very versatile and can be customized to your liking.

What makes this Savory Granola even more delicious and cohesive is its rich coating made from tahini, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey. Together, these ingredients create a unique and flavorful seasoning that blends the granola, elevating your meals when added on top.

Ingredients for spiced granola

• Rolled oats: this is the primary base of granola, which, when baked, becomes crunchy and makes it more substantial. Rolled oats are rich in fiber, making this Savory granola nutritious and beneficial for digestion, as well as a good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Moreover, when coated with the seasoning, rolled oats create delightful clusters.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: their concentrated flavor brings a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy note, complementing the other rich ingredients. Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes add a vibrant red color, making the granola visually appealing. Finally, they have a chewy texture that constrasts with the crunchiness of the rolled oats and nuts.

• Parmesan: its natural saltiness elevates the flavors of the Savory Granola, complementing the sweetness of the other ingredients and enhancing the overall savory taste. Additionally, baked Parmesan becomes crispy, providing a pleasing contrast to the chewy texture of sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Moreover, this cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which is important for overall health.

• Pumpkin seeds: they are packed with essential nutrients, such as magnesium, iron, zinc and antioxidants. The healthy fats found in pumpkin seeds contribute to heart health and help keep you feeling full. Additionally, they add a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor.

• Flax seeds: this ingredient is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the fiber included in flax seeds promotes good digestion and keeps you full longer. When mixed with liquids, they create a gel-like consistency that keeps the granola together.

• Tahini: this ingredient adds a rich and nutty flavor to the granola coating while also providing a creamy texture. Tahini acts as a binding agent and when mixed with other liquids, it creates a cohesive coating that prevents the granola from becoming crumbly. Finally, tahini is rich in healthy fats, calcium, magnesium and B vitamins, making the Savory Granola nutritious.

• Soy sauce: its natural saltiness enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing their sweetness of the other ingredients. Soy sauce acts as a coating agent that helps create a cohesive texture and prevents the granola from becoming dry. Moreover, soy sauce helps to distribute the coating evenly contains anti-inflammatory properties.

• Honey: this sweet ingredient balances the savory elements of the granola and serves as a great natural binding agent. Moreover, honey helps retain moisture and is a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Finally, is its a good source of energy and its syrupy texture helps coat the ingredients.

• Rosemary: it adds a slightly pine-like flavor to the Savory Granola, and its oils release a fragrant scent that enhances the overall sensory experience. Rosemary also brings a vibrant green color to the recipe, enhancing its visual appeal.

• Apple cider vinegar: its acidity balances the richness of other ingredients, such as tahini and honey. This binding agent is known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion, supporting gut health, and helping regulate blood sugar levels. Finally, apple cider vinegar extends the shelf life of the Savory Granola, keeping it fresher for longer.

• Black olives: they have a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchiness of the rolled oats and nuts. Olives are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help reduce bad cholesterol. Additionally, their deep black color adds visual interest to the granola.

• Walnuts: nuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the chewiness of black olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare this healthy savory granola

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: rolled oats, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, flax seeds, rosemary and chopped black olives.

Prepare the dressing by whisking together tahini, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil  and a pinch of salt.

Pour the dressing in the bowl with the dry ingredients and combine well. Spread the granola evenly on a lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at 160°C (325°F).

Let the granola cool down, then break it apart with your hands or a spatula.

My tips for crunchy granola

• Keep the granola in a glass container and it will remain crunchy.

• Honey can be replaced with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup.

• You can choose the seeds you prefer, whether they are sunflower seeds or chia seeds.

• While baking, stir the granola every 10 minutes to prevent it from becoming too brown.

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!