Power Protein Granola (Oil Free & Date Sweetened)

You might have had granola many times, but I’m going to introduce you to this vegan and gluten-free granola, that will exceed your expectations. It is rich in healthy carbs, protein and essential amino acids your body needs to start the day. At the same time, it is insanely delicious, crunchy, toasted, simple and easy and most important made with absolutely no oil and no sugar besides date paste.

Granola is good and often associated with being healthy but most of the time granolas have a very high sugar content. I have been making the same granola myself for 11 years using oats, maple syrup and oil. While it’s for sure a completely delicious and a healthy recipe as I used maple syrup, and oil in a reduced amount, I felt the need to get creative with more wholesome sweetener. I had successfully used dates as a binder and sweetener in some recipes (Date, Nut an seed squares, No bake Brownies) before, so I knew date paste would work just fine in oats granola. It really turned out nice and crunchy with a faint natural sweetness.

Then, I decided to experiment with a different grain. I love oats and they are a great source of nutrients but I wanted to give another grain a try. Plus, oats contain a protein called avenin, to which some people are intolerant or even allergic. So, I challenged myself to create oat free granola. I used three superfood-y ingredients- chia seeds, buckwheat, and quinoa. I am so happy with how the seed granola turned out. It has become a new favorite of mine and will be a perfect recipe for those avoiding oats.

Buckwheat and quinoa are commonly considered grains, but they are actually fruit seeds, that are prepared and consumed like grain. Being extremely nutritious and rich in many minerals and plant compounds they are a healthy addition to the diet.   You don’t have to cook the buckwheat groats or quinoa for this. I simply combined them raw with almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, coconut and date paste. Everything is mixed in a mixer bowl and then goes onto two large baking sheets for baking. The result is rich, nutty, healthy and not so sweet granola. If you do like sweet granola, simply drizzle honey in your bowl.

This recipe will last you a month, assuming your family of three/four don’t eat it every single morning. I enjoy this protein-packed granola with some Greek yogurt or coconut milk as a cereal or paired with ice cream or smoothie bowl.

If you make this recipe I’d love to know how it turned out so let me know in the comments section below or tag me on Facebook or Instagram or twitter! Thanks!

Bringing this power protein granola to Corina’s Linky Party @ CookOnceEatTwice.