Sweet Pumpkin Seed Protein Granola
This easy vegan granola is crazy high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and of course, crunchy granola clusters! It’s mildly sweet, and perfectly spiced. What makes it high in protein? The secret ingredient... Lentils!
This easy vegan granola is crazy high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and of course, crunchy granola clusters! It’s mildly sweet, and perfectly spiced. What makes it high in protein? The secret ingredient... Lentils!
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried flake coconut
- 2/3 cup buckwheat groats
- 1 cup cooked split red lentils (or 1/2 cup split red len dry)
- 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
- Carbohydrate 38.8209278380689 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 13.2375403412756 g
- Fiber 7.26645349282961 g
- Protein 8.77041100178406 g
- Saturated Fat 6.01084670461033 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -14 serving (69g)
- Sodium 21.9044166684368 mg
- Sugar 31.5544743452393 g
- Trans Fat 0.991301433751078 g
- Calories 296 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Cook lentils (refer to cooking instructions below).
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconut, buckwheat groats, coconut sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Add the maple syrup, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and cooked red lentils. Mix thoroughly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola into an even layer over the entire surface.
- Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes (the longer you allow the granola to cool, the more granola clusters you are likely to have at the end). Mix and break up the granola before redistributing it evenly.
- Bake for another 6 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes. Mix and break up the granola before redistributing it evenly.
- Bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until granola is evenly toasted but not burnt. Watch the granola closely as it tends to burn suddenly and rapidly.
- Cool completely before breaking into clusters and storing in an airtight container.
- Approx. 1/2 cup dry red lentils (split) = 1 cup cooked. Rinse ½ cup dry red lentils (split). Add the lentils and 1 cup of unsalted water to a small-medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 5-10 minutes (until lentils are just tender.)
Sweet Pumpkin Seed Protein Granola: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Mornings in our house are a whirlwind of activity. Getting three kids ready for school, packing lunches, making sure everyone has their homework, and then somehow managing to get myself out the door before the school bus arrives – it's a daily marathon! And let's be honest, breakfast often gets squeezed out in the chaos. That's why I've become obsessed with finding quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast options that the whole family will actually eat. Enter: my Sweet Pumpkin Seed Protein Granola.
This granola isn't just your average breakfast cereal; it's a powerhouse of nutrition packed into every crunchy bite. I developed this recipe out of sheer necessity – a need for something that would keep my kids full and energized until lunchtime, something that wouldn't leave me feeling guilty about feeding them processed sugars, and something that I could make in advance to save precious minutes on those crazy weekday mornings. The secret ingredient? Lentils! Yes, you read that right. Lentils add a surprising boost of protein and fiber, keeping everyone feeling satisfied for hours. Plus, the pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and healthy fats, making this granola a truly winning combination.
The beauty of this granola lies in its versatility. It's perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast with milk or yogurt, a satisfying snack to quell afternoon hunger pangs, or even as a delicious topping for your favorite smoothie bowls. I often make a big batch on the weekend and store it in an airtight container; it keeps incredibly well and is always ready to go when I need it. The kids love it sprinkled over their ice cream, too!
Beyond the convenience and nutritional benefits, this granola is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, requiring no special equipment or culinary skills. It's a perfect project for a lazy Sunday afternoon, or even a quick weeknight task if you're short on time. The satisfying process of mixing, baking, and watching the granola clusters form is incredibly therapeutic – a small moment of calm amidst the daily storm.
The subtle sweetness from the maple syrup and coconut sugar is balanced perfectly by the warm spices, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and energizing. It's not overly sweet, making it a healthier alternative to many commercially available granolas laden with refined sugars. The combination of textures – crunchy, chewy, and slightly nutty – provides a truly delightful sensory experience.
So, if you're a busy mom like me, constantly juggling a million things and struggling to find healthy breakfast options that your family will love, I highly recommend giving this Sweet Pumpkin Seed Protein Granola a try. It's a game-changer, I promise. It's not just a breakfast; it’s a testament to the power of simple, healthy ingredients and the joy of creating something nourishing and delicious for your loved ones.
Beyond the practical aspects, making this granola is a small act of self-care. It’s a moment to slow down, connect with the process of creating something wholesome, and provide a nourishing start to the day for myself and my family. In the midst of the chaos, this simple act brings a sense of peace and control, reminding me that even amidst the whirlwind, I can create something beautiful and healthy.
The aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin seeds wafting through the kitchen while it bakes is an added bonus, filling the house with the comforting scent of a warm and inviting breakfast. And the smiles on my children's faces as they enjoy their bowls of granola are the ultimate reward, confirming that this recipe is more than just a breakfast; it's a source of nourishment, happiness, and a little bit of magic in our busy mornings.
So go ahead, give it a try. You might just find your new favorite breakfast (or snack!) too.
