Savory granola: perfect for salads or to add a crunch to a soup

Name: Savory Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup oil of neutral taste (I prefer the avocado); 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (I use chipotle); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; pinch of salt; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup flaked coconut; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (seeds); 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

A glass jar filled with savory granola is placed on a gray surface. The granola contains oats, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, and various nuts. Beside the jar, a gold-colored spoon with some granola on it rests on the surface, with a few scattered pieces around it. The background is dark gray.

About this recipe

I totally get that there are times when we may not feel like eating salads for lunch because we find them boring or we’re unsure how to make them more exciting. The same goes for soup. Some soups may seem good but lack a special flavor and need a boost. That’s when savory granola comes to the rescue. It has the magical ability to enhance the flavor and texture of any dish it’s added to, providing delicious crunch and loads of nutrients.

What is Savory Granola?

Savory granola is essentially granola without the sugar. Instead of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, it uses spices, herbs, and other savory elements to create a complex, flavorful snack. Ingredients like vegetable oil, tamari, nutritional yeast, and spices such as smoked paprika or cumin transform granola from a breakfast staple into a versatile topping or snack that can be enjoyed anytime.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE savory GRANOLA

Vegetable oil: I prefer to use avocado oil, but any vegetable oil works well.
Tamari or soy sauce & Maple syrup
I use ground chipotle for chili powder, but you can use ancho chili or cayenne pepper.
Garlic powder: make sure it is not garlic salt; we need garlic powder.
Oats: if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, make sure it is certified GLUTEN-FREE.
Coconut: Look for unsweetened coconut chips. Pumpkin seeds and pepitas: If you don’t have them, you can substitute them with nuts. Sunflower seeds: If you don’t have them on hand or don’t like them, substitute them with another nut or seed.

HOW TO MAKE SALTED GRANOLA?

Savory and vegan granola on a baking sheet.

OVEN. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at a temperature of 350ºF for 15-20 minutes.

TIP

Turn the tray every 5-7 minutes and move the granola around so that everything bakes evenly.

Be careful not to burn your granola, do not walk away too far from the oven.

Savory and vegan granola in a glass container.in a cast iron pan

STOVE. Add the coconut, seeds, and oats to a large skillet. Mix the oil with the tamari sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, chipotle chili, and salt pinch in a bowl. Pour the liquids into the pan and stir constantly until everything is loose.

TIP

DO NOT walk away from the stove for a second. This granola is ready in no time.

A good sign to know when it is ready, is when the grains and seeds begin to feel loose when you are mixing them.

A glass jar filled with homemade savory granola sits on a gray surface. The granola contains a mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes. Beside the jar, a gold-colored spoon with a portion of savory granola is placed, showcasing the texture and ingredients. Some granola pieces are scattered around.

HOW TO EAT SALTED GRANOLA?

Sprinkle on salads: Add crunch and flavor to your favorite salads. Savory granola pairs especially well with greens like kale, spinach, or arugula.
Soup Topping: Replace your homemade croutons with savory granola for a crunchy texture in soups.
Roasted vegetables: Garnish roasted vegetables with savory granola for extra crunch and an umami kick.
Snack on its own: Savory granola is a great snack to eat by the handful, offering a satisfying, nutritious alternative to chips or crackers.

Variations

If you enjoy spicy flavors, consider adding extra cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder to create a spicy granola. Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your granola mixture for a fresh and aromatic twist.

If you’re a fan of cheese, enhance the cheesy flavor by increasing the amount of nutritional yeast or adding finely grated vegan cheese. Additionally, for a boost of nutrition, consider adding flaxseeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds to create a nutrient-packed granola.

Frequently asked questions

Is savory granola healthier than sweet granola?

Depending on the ingredients used, savory granola can be healthier than sweet granola. It typically contains less sugar, making it a better option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. Plus, the use of heart-healthy oils, nuts, and seeds offers great nutritional value.

Can I use savory granola in sweet dishes?

While savory granola is typically used in savory dishes like salads and soups, it can also be used to create interesting flavor combinations. For example, you can sprinkle it on top of yogurt or pair it with fruits like apples or pears for a unique sweet and savory mix.

How do I store savory granola?

Savory granola should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It typically lasts for about two weeks but may start to lose its crispiness after that. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze savory granola for up to 3 months.

Is it possible to make oil-free savory granola?

Yes, you can make oil-free savory granola by using a small amount of water or vegetable broth in place of oil. However, the granola may not be as crispy. Another option is to use a nut butter like tahini or almond butter to help bind the ingredients together without oil.

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Un frasco de vidrio transparente lleno hasta el borde con granola sabrosa, que incluye una mezcla de nueces, semillas y avena, se encuentra sobre una superficie gris. Junto al frasco, hay una cuchara con un poco de granola. El fondo es de un gris oscuro simple, lo que hace que la granola sabrosa sea el punto focal de la imagen.

Savory Granola

Alejandra Graf

This savory granola is full of wonderful flavors; it's made with coconut, oatmeal, and seeds. It's perfect for adding that delicious EXTRA-CRUNCH to soups and salads or any other dish that needs a flavor punch. With this savory granola, you will never eat a bland and sad salad ever again, my promise to you.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Basics

Cuisine American

Servings tazas

Calories 730 kcal

Equipment

iron cast skillet
Baking sheets

Ingredients

1/3 cup oil of neutral taste I prefer the avocado
3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon chili powder I use chipotle
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
pinch of salt
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Instructions

Heat a large non-stick skillet and add the oats and seeds, let them roast for about two or three minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
In a bowl, mix oil with tamari sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, chili pepper powder and a pinch of salt.
Add this mixture to the pan. Mix well to prevent sticking. Do not stop moving, at first, everything will feel stuck and gradually the oats will loosen up. Let everything cook for between five to eight minutes.
When loose, add the granola on a baking sheet or serving dish to cool.
When fully cooled, store it in a tightly closed jar.

Notes

Savory granola should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It typically lasts about two weeks but may lose its crispiness after that. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze savory granola for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 60grsCalories: 730kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 15gFat: 62gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 1027mgPotassium: 535mgFiber: 10gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 99IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 5mg

Keyword healthy homemade granola, how to make granola, savory granola

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Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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