TCM Inspired Grain Free Granola

This tasty, grain-free recipe is now a staple in my kitchen. I love having a large glass container in the pantry at all times. It is delicious on top of rice pudding or coconut yogurt. I have written this recipe to have a lot of freedom within the amounts of seeds and nuts allowed. My favorite way to make this grain-free granola is to allow more of the larger seeds (such as 3/4 cup of each pumpkin and sunflower, and fewer amounts of the smaller seeds such as 1/2 cup of sesame, hemp, and chia). I also like to chop the walnuts finely and leave the pecans larger to give a bit of texture diversity. I always make walnuts the largest portion as well, measuring in about 2 cups of chopped walnuts and 2 cups of a nut mixture. I like to save some shredded coconut to mix in after the granola is baked as well, to have a deeper coconut flavor, some roasted and some not, it gives the granola a nice pop of white color to the mixture.

The Ingredients

This recipe has some nutritional powerhouses in it, such as;

• Black sesame seeds

  In Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM), black sesame seeds are valued for their nourishing properties, which are believed to benefit the Kidneys and Liver. These tiny seeds are thought to tonify Yin and Blood, promoting overall vitality and contributing to healthy aging when incorporated into a balanced and holistic TCM approach.

• Goji Berries

  Goji berries are highly esteemed for their tonifying properties, particularly for the Liver, Kidney, and Lung meridians. They are believed to enhance overall vitality, boost immune function, and support vision health. In Western contexts, goji berries are recognized for their rich antioxidant content, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, promoting eye health and supporting immune systems. Their nutritional profile also contributes to general well-being, making them a popular choice and tasty addition.

• Walnuts

  Walnuts are known for their ability to tonify the Kidneys and strengthen the brain. Considered a yang-building food, walnuts are believed to nourish the essence of life, supporting cognitive function and promoting overall vitality. Walnuts are recognized for their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which contributes to heart health, and their antioxidant properties which may offer neuroprotective benefits. Regular consumption of walnuts is associated with improved cholesterol levels and may be beneficial for cardiovascular and brain health.

• Hemp Seeds

  Hemp seeds are valued for their ability to nourish the Blood and Yin, making them beneficial for overall health and vitality. These seeds are believed to support the Liver and Kidneys. In Western nutritional terms, hemp seeds are prized for their rich nutritional profile, containing essential fatty acids, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Their omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids make them supportive of heart health, while their protein content and amino acid profile contribute to muscle maintenance and repair.

• Chia Seeds

  Chia seeds are valued for their ability to cool and moisten the body, making them suitable for addressing conditions related to excessive heat or dryness. Chia seeds are believed to nourish the Yin, supporting bodily fluids and promoting overall hydration. Chia seeds are renowned for their high fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids, contributing to digestive health and cardiovascular well-being. Their ability to absorb water and form a gel-like consistency makes them popular for promoting satiety and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Gathering supplies is half the prep for this recipe.

Nuts and seeds coated and ready to bake

Grain-Free Granola

Ingredients

[Makes about 6 cups]

• 4 cups of mixed raw nuts, chopped ( such as walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds, cashews)

• 2 cups of mixed raw seed mix ( such as pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds)

• 1 cup of unsweetened, untoasted coconut flakes

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

• 1 tsp. sea salt

• 1 tsp. cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice powder

• 1 cup Goji Berries, or chopped dates

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Chop all the nuts into small, uniform-sized pieces. ( I like to keep the pecan whole for variety) Add to a large mixing bowl with all other seeds and coconut.

2. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, sea salt, cinnamon, and five-spice powder. Pour evenly over nut and seed mix and mix well to coat.

3. Spread granola in a thin, even layer over two small, or one large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until granola is golden, stirring every 10 minutes. The granola will crisp as it cools.

4. Allow to cool completely before adding in dried goji berries and dates, then transfer to airtight containers for storing.

Wait till granola cools and add in dried fruits

Feel free to play around with toppings, sometimes I add in candied ginger or dried mango!

SHOP THE STORY

Virgin Coconut Oil

Chinese Five Spice Powder

Organic Goji Berries

Glass Storage Containers