Homemade granola is one of the easiest breakfasts or snacks and this recipe for quinoa granola is no different, except it has the benefit of an extra protein boost! Dark chocolate pomegranates and banana chips add a little sweetness and fun.
This weekend was the true definition of the word busy. I feel quite accomplished, but not quite relaxed. I'm still not certain why weekends aren't 3 days long. And why, pray tell, does it seem like every time I cross one thing off my to-do list, I'm forced to add 3 more things on? Is it ever possible to simply finish a to-do list and go a few days without having to start a new one? Maybe that's what our honeymoon is for. No to-do lists allowed on the honeymoon.
The weekend was mostly filled with wedding planning (about 2.5 months to go!). We picked out our rehearsal dinner menu and had a glorious cake tasting at Party Favors in Brookline (it's my dream come true to have them make our wedding cake!). I also spent about 7 hours at Chelsee's helping her finish up our wedding invites. I love pretty much all the invitations Chels makes, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm absolutely obsessed with ours and I can't wait to send them out! Chris and I also spent a little time apartment hunting this weekend as we'll likely be moving out of Brookline, the town that has been my home for the past 7 years and into the suburbs later this summer. Wah. I'm trying not to think about it too much. We also braved Market Basket, which is always an adventure on Sundays.
After a big grocery trip, I had every intention of making a Sunday night dinner. But then we got home kind of late and we noticed that our favorite Thai restaurant Rod Dee just reopened (after like 3 years) in our neighborhood. And it was too tempting. So, we indulged in beef basil and I made a simple 3-minutes-of-work quinoa granola recipe. Seriously, 3 minutes. I've had these ingredients out on my counter for the past week because I've been meaning to make it for so long. And now that I realize it takes 3 minutes, I'm not sure why I didn't do it sooner. Since my pantry is seriously overflowing with grains, I've been wanting to make a grain-packed granola. And I decided to toss a bunch of quinoa in for an extra crunch and protein. Awesome idea… Next time I'm adding more! And the dark chocolate pomegranate arils need no explanation. They make any granola better.
If you've never made homemade granola before, you may not realize how crazy easy it is. You basically just mix all the ingredients together and bake them. Quinoa granola is no more difficult; dry quinoa is just one of your ingredients!
Once the granola is baked and cooled, you'll mix in the dark chocolate pomegranate arils and banana chips. In my ever so humble opinion, every granola needs a little bit of sweet fun!
Of course, you can customize this recipe to your own loves. Not a fan of banana chips? Leave 'em out. Can't find dark chocolate pomegranate arils? Well, keep looking. Because they're awesome and are packed with antioxidants and granola is no good unless it has some form of chocolate in it.
You should most definitely add quinoa to your next granola recipe. I loved the extra flavor it added and it will make me happy to know I'm starting my day off with a super grain every time I enjoy a serving of this granola.
I'm thinking I'll bring this quinoa granola to work for the mornings and either eat it by the handful or pour it on my Blood Orange Chobani (which I majorly stocked up on today, thank you very much).
Granola is one of those things I like to always have in my kitchen, but I know it can get pretty pricey at the grocery store. If I make my own every couple weeks and store it in a mason jar, it's a much more cost-effective solution. Plus, I can mix it up and try something new every time I make it. But always chocolate. There's just gotta be some chocolate in it.
What's your favorite granola mix?
Quinoa Granola with Dark Chocolate Pomegranate
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup uncooked quinoa
- ⅓ cup ground flaxseed
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup dark chocolate covered pomegranates
- ¾ cup banana chips
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, quinoa, flaxseed, coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in maple syrup.
- On a foil-covered baking sheet, spread the granola mixture in an even layer.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally with a spatula to prevent browning.
- Remove granola from oven, let it cool, and mix in dark chocolate-covered pomegranates and banana chips.
- Store granola in airtight container.
Erica says
SO exciting that the wedding is so so close! Food tasting is definitely the best part. NO to dos on the honeymoon for sure. Relaxation only. The granola looks just perfect. Love the shots spilling out of the jar. I usually go pretty traditional and just do oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut, honey and canola oil.
Simply Life says
oh wow! this granola looks INCREDIBLE! I love the flavors in this! Ha, I wonder the same thing about to-do lists and yes...that is EXACTLY what your honeymoon is for!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
What a great idea for a flavor combination, especially with the banana chips in there!
Michelle says
I have been feeling the same way about weekends lately! Can't wait to hear more about the wedding as it gets closer!
Heather @ Bake, Run, Live says
I love quinoa in granola! You just need to make sure you use the already rinsed quinoa, or it will have a bitter taste (due to the saponins).
Jill says
Oh, yum! I haven't tried quinoa in granola before. Can't wait to try it!
Ashley says
I can't wait to try this recipe! I've wanted to make my own granola and crunchy/toasted quinoa for awhile, but never actually done it. This is definitely motivation! I've seen several people use coconut oil instead of canola or olive oil, to add a subtle yet constant coconut flavor. Maybe that can help out the coconut flavor, if that's what you're looking for?
And I know what you mean about the to-do lists: cross 1 item off and add 3 more. Argh! Good luck on your list!
Ann says
Can't wait to try this recipe! I just wanted to be clear - it's uncooked quinoa, correct?
Cara says
Ohh I'm totally trying this out! I love homemade granola but this combination is new to me. I'm totally in support of 3 day weekends every weekend, life would be so much easier/better!
Amy Scheuerman says
What a great idea! I tend to eat quinoa as a grit substitute in my breakfasts (can you tell I'm a recovering southerner?), but toasted it has a delicious flavor and great texture. Mmmm... I'll have to make a batch next time my to-do list gets under 10 items. 😉
Kerstin says
I love the cupcakes at Party Favors, yum!
What a cool twist on traditional granola 🙂 I like how you photographed in the jar too!
Sues says
@Ann- Yes, it's uncooked! But do make sure it's pre-rinsed... Or rinse it yourself 🙂
Megan says
I always do cherries, chocolate, and almods, but I definitely want to add the dark chocolate pomegranates next time... and quinoa!
And yes, all weekends should be 3-day weekends. Sounds like all the wedding stuff is coming along!
Gia Grossman says
Chocolate in granola is always needed!! Pretty pics!
Shannon says
the only thing i don't like about homemade granola... is how fast i eat it 😉 i made my last batch with quinoa and a mix of coconut oil and maple syrup. DANGEROUS