I adapted this recipe from one of my new favorite cookbooks, Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming. I made many changes to the recipe including tripling the amount of quinoa.
Her version uses 1/3 cup but I really wanted to see how far I could push the recipe, especially if I was going to call it “quinoa” granola. Using one cup works perfectly fine but I will note that you can just slightly taste the uncooked quinoa, which can sometimes have a bit of an iron aftertaste before thoroughly washing and cooking. But it was barely noticeable to me. The maple, agave, vanilla and cinnamon really overpower that flavor. If you want to avoid this I would recommend trying 1/2 – 3/4 cup of quinoa instead.
I really enjoyed having this quinoa granola with milk or yogurt. It’s just the right amount of sweet and the quinoa offers a nice crunch!
Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups regular or gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 3/4 cup whole raw almonds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup raw pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup light agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, quinoa, almonds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, coconut and pecans. Mix well. In a smaller bowl combine the maple syrup, light agave nectar and vanilla. Add the liquids into the dry ingredients and stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Spread the mix in an even, thin layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly on top. Bake for one hour.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool down. The granola will stick just slightly to the parchment but should be easy to remove with a spatula. Once cool, stir in the dried cranberries and cherries.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Averie says
Good thinking to work in quinoa this way! It’s so versatile, as you’re proving!
Tieghan says
Love hoe simple this is! Is sounds so good!
Megan says
The Leftovers Club sounds like so much fun! I never really know when to use quinoa, but adding it to granola looks like a nice addition and it’s beautiful!
Jennifer Farley says
You should join us!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
Gorgeous! This is the first time I have seen quinoa in a granola! I will have to try it for myself!
Gerry says
Genius choice and Shanna’s a lucky girl!! Wait, so are you..gahh everyones lucky :)
Jennifer Farley says
Join the club do I can eat your food!!! :D
kelly says
This sounds lovely. I’m always running out of ideas for granola and for quinoa. I don’t know why I didn’t think to put them together. Shanna is definitely lucky to be getting these leftovers! Thanks again for a fantastic job organizing this month!
Jean says
What a neat club! My coworkers do get the bulk of my baked goods and I think they love/hate me for it! :)
Have never thought of using quinoa in granola but I really like the idea. If I can add quinoa my dishes, I’m a happy girl. This looks great and Lucky Shanna!
Kate says
Quinoa granola?! Oh my wow! That is genius, Jen!! Loves it!!!! Lucky Shanna!
Monet says
Now I’m regretting making eggs for breakfast. I wish I had a big bowl of this granola. It looks just lovely, my dear. And a very lucky Shanna indeed! Thank you for sharing. What a lovely batch of healthy deliciousness. I hope you have a good end to your week and an even more blessed weekend.
Heather says
I have had so much fun with the Leftovers Club! Thanks for organizing and Facebooking, and emailing— also this granola is AWESOME. I love making my own breakfast “cereal” because my kids think it’s weird and won’t eat it. More for me!!
Hari Chandana says
Wowww… Gorgeous.. Nicely composed shots.. :)
Heidi says
Going into the Quinoa round up! Love your Leftover Thursdays.
Jennifer Farley says
Thanks, Heidi! You’re probably all set but if you’re still looking for other quinoa recipes this is my favorite way to use it lately: https://www.savorysimple.net/curried-pomegranate-pistachio-quinoa/
Marie says
Best looking granola ever! Love your use of quinoa!
Lisa says
Yum, this sounds delish! And such a great idea with The Leftovers Club!
sally says
Quinoa + granola, I have yet to try this!!! It sounds and looks so good. Quinoa is my favorite and I really only cook with it – never bake. It’s so versatile!