Title: Easy 3-Ingredient Granola Recipe by Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
I enjoy breakfast, but sometimes I find it difficult to decide what to eat for the first meal of the day. When my brain is still waking up and my to-do list is already calling my name, I often end up settling for a piece of fruit or a granola bar if I haven’t planned ahead. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t feel particularly special. Having something special for breakfast really helps set a positive tone for the day.
One of my favorite special breakfasts is homemade granola. There’s just something about crunchy, nutty, slightly sweet granola paired with cold, creamy yogurt that hits the spot. The best part is that it doesn’t need to be reheated, so I can have it ready in a bowl and in my mouth within minutes.
Traditional granola recipes can have a lengthy list of ingredients, including items like honey, oil, various nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruit, spices, and more. They can also take quite a while to make, often requiring up to an hour of toasting in the oven. However, you don’t need a long list of ingredients or a lot of time to make delicious granola. With just three ingredients and 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch in no time.
I like to make this granola while preparing Sunday night dinner, allowing me to multitask in the kitchen and have breakfast ready for the entire week.
My Granola Inspiration
While experimenting with recipes from Food52’s Simply Genius cookbook, I came across Jenné Claiborne’s Tahini Pistachio Granola, which quickly became a favorite. What drew me to it was its simplicity, with a short ingredient list and minimal steps. Unlike traditional granola recipes, it cooked up in just 15 minutes at a higher temperature, resulting in a deliciously nutty and not overly sweet flavor profile that I adored.
Although I still love that recipe, I’ve made a few tweaks over time, as is common for recipe developers. Instead of using tahini, which can be pricey and not always readily available, I found that natural nut butter, a pantry staple for me, works just as well and streamlines the ingredient list. The natural nut butter also adds great flavor and helps achieve that desirable crispiness in the granola. Whether it’s peanut butter or almond butter, both options yield excellent results.
How to Make My 3-Ingredient Granola
For about 2 1/2 cups, or 5 to 6 servings, you will need:
– 2 1/3 cups (264g) old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1/2 cup salted natural peanut butter or almond butter, well-mixed
– 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed half sheet
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Here are some easy variations to enhance the recipe:
– To add extra protein, use 2 cups of oats and include 1/2 cup of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or shelled pistachios.
– Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a flavor boost.
– Spice up the mix with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 2 teaspoons of ground chai spice.
– Include your preferred dried fruit post-baking, such as dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins.
For more details, refer to the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES.
