Cranberry-Orange Granola for Anti-Inflammation
This cranberry-orange granola recipe combines anti-inflammatory ingredients like flaxseed meal, nuts, and dried cranberries with a delightful citrus zest. It's perfect as a topping for yogurt or as a light snack, offering a balance of wholesome nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh-pressed coconut oil
- 1 orange washed (zest and juice required)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans toasted
- ½ cup juice-sweetened dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 300°F to prepare for baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and flaxseed meal until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the wet mixture: In a small saucepan, gently heat the maple syrup and coconut oil over low heat. Grate the orange zest directly into the pan, then cut the orange in half and squeeze 2 tablespoons of juice into the mixture. Stir until the coconut oil melts completely (about 3 minutes), then remove the pan from heat.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the heated syrup mixture over the oats and flaxseed meal. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
- Bake the granola: Spread the oat mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir to ensure even cooking.
- Add nuts and cranberries: After stirring, return the granola to the oven for another 10 minutes. Then, mix in the toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
- Final bake: Bake the granola for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the oats turn golden brown and the cranberries soften and plump.
- Cool and store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container.
- Storage tips: Store the granola at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
Notes
- How to Toast Nuts: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant and lightly browned (about 4–5 minutes).
- This recipe's anti-inflammatory benefits come from the flaxseed meal, nuts, and cranberries. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the maple syrup, if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!