RECIPE: Strawberry & coconut granola

{Serves:  4 - 5 servings}
{Preparation time: 10 minutes}
{Cooking time:  45 - 50 minutes}

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup oat bran (or ground oats in the blender)
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 cup strawberries, roughly chopped

How to make

• Heat your oven to 175oC. In a saucepan combine coconut oil, maple syrup and chia seeds and heat to soften the chia seeds a little. Set aside
• Combine oats, oat bran (or blended oats), pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and coconut in a mixing bowl. Add in strawberries and using your hands mix them through squashing the strawberries into the oat mixture to make it a little moist. It should start to go a pink colour. Leave some chunky bits of strawberries for texture as you go. Add in the coconut oil and chia mixture and mix through till everything is nicely combined
• Pour mixture onto a baking tray and spread out evenly. Place in the oven for 20 minutes then take out and using a spoon stir the granola to expose any wet parts. Place back in the oven for 15 minutes. Repeat one last time then place back in the oven again for 10 - 15 minutes. The granola should have some lovely hard chunks when you are finished, however there will still be a bit of moisture to it
• Leave the granola to cool then place granola in an air tight container and store in the fridge. Keeps for 1 week

To serve

Enjoy with cold milk and/or yoghurt of choice and fresh chopped strawberries or other berries. Finish with a drizzle of honey if desired.

Nutritional Information

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids. These nutrients are important for immune and lymphatic health. Strawberries phytonutrients have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects when consumed 3 -4 times per week (at around 1 cup a day).

Store-bought granola is often loaded with sugars and cheap refined oils to help stick them together and maintain shelf life. This granola has none of those which means it’s fabulously good for you, but also has a short shelf life. That is why it is important to keep this strawberry and coconut granola in the fridge and make it in small batches to ensure that it does not perish.

This strawberry and coconut granola is full of fibre. It will keep you satisfied for hours, especially when combined with some added protein such as yoghurt. This granola will certainly help keep your bowels regular so add it to your repertoire or make it for a loved one who may need a little assistance in the bathroom department.

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Jessica Cox

Jessica is a passionate foodie and qualified, practicing nutritionist with a Bachelor Health Science (Nutrition), with over eight years of clinical experience. She is the founder and business owner of the successful Jessica Cox Nutritionist Clinic based in Brisbane, Australia. The Jessica Cox Nutritionist Clinic (JCNC) treats all facets of health conditions, though specialises with ongoing digestive issues and food intolerances.

Jess is also the creator of the Jessica Cox website and blog, an expression of everything she loves rolled into one, including her passion for creating recipes that catering for food intolerances. Jess is available for consultations at her clinic based in Brisbane, along with Skype and Phone consultations for national and international clients.

Contact Jess with any queries or questions at jessicacox.com.au or email reception@jessicacox.com.au. Source great food ideas and more by following Jess on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.