This Pistachio Cardamom Granola is an irresistible combination of crunchy oats, rich pistachios, and aromatic cardamom. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a snack between meals, or sprinkled over yogurt or smoothies for an added boost of flavor and texture.
The warming spices paired with the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup create a delightful contrast with the nutty crunch of pistachios and coconut. Whether you’re making a batch to last the week or preparing a gift for a loved one, this granola is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped pistachios, shredded coconut, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated.
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Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before stirring in dried cranberries if desired.
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Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: 240 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Why Homemade Granola?
One of the main advantages of making granola at home is the ability to control the ingredients. Store-bought granola can often be loaded with added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy oils. Homemade granola, on the other hand, allows you to choose the sweeteners, fats, and flavorings that best suit your taste and health goals. By making your own granola, you can avoid the artificial additives found in many commercial versions and ensure that each bite is packed with wholesome ingredients.
In this recipe, the oats are the base, providing a hearty and fiber-rich texture. The inclusion of sesame seeds adds a slight crunch and a boost of healthy fats, while the pistachios lend a rich, nutty flavor that is both satisfying and decadent. Cardamom, the star spice, gives the granola an exotic and aromatic kick that elevates the taste to something truly special. This combination of flavors creates a snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Choosing the Right Pistachios
The quality of pistachios you use can make a big difference in this granola. The recipe suggests using raw pistachios, which provide a fresh and bright flavor that is enhanced once toasted. Raw pistachios also have a less salty and more natural taste compared to roasted varieties. If raw pistachios are hard to find, you can substitute them with roasted, unsalted pistachios. However, it’s important to note that the timing of when you add the pistachios to the granola will differ—raw pistachios should be added at the beginning of the baking process to toast with the oats, while roasted pistachios should be stirred in after the granola is baked.
Cardamom: The Fragrant Spice
Cardamom is an essential ingredient in this granola, adding a fragrant and complex flavor. The spice has citrusy, floral notes that work perfectly with the richness of the pistachios. It’s often used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Scandinavian cuisines to elevate both sweet and savory dishes. In granola, cardamom brings an unexpected yet delightful twist, making the granola taste like no other.
For the best results, you can use freshly ground cardamom. To do this, crack open cardamom pods, roast the seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, and then grind them to a fine powder. This step may take a bit more time, but it’s well worth it for the full depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-ground cardamom works just fine as well.
Sweeteners and Fats: Almond Oil and Honey
This pistachio cardamom granola uses almond oil and honey to bind the ingredients together. Almond oil adds a mild, nutty flavor that complements the pistachios, while honey provides natural sweetness and helps the granola clump together into crispy clusters. The sweetness from the honey balances the spice of the cardamom, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. You can substitute honey with maple syrup if you prefer a vegan version, although honey imparts a richer sweetness.
The Magic of Granola Clusters
One of the best features of homemade granola is the ability to create clusters. These clusters are what make homemade granola feel special and satisfying. The key to getting those perfect granola clusters is to avoid stirring the granola too frequently while it bakes. Stirring every 5 minutes, as the recipe suggests, ensures that the granola bakes evenly without breaking apart into small crumbs. The mixture of honey and oil helps the oats stick together, forming clusters as it bakes.
Adding the Raisins: A Touch of Sweetness and Color
Raisins (or other dried fruits like apricots, dates, or figs) add a touch of natural sweetness and chewy texture to the granola. In this recipe, jumbo raisins are used for a bit of color contrast and extra sweetness. The dried fruit is mixed in after the granola has finished baking, ensuring that the raisins stay soft and juicy rather than becoming overly dried out. The raisins pair beautifully with the pistachios and cardamom, creating a balanced snack or breakfast option.
How to Serve Pistachio Cardamom Granola
Pistachio cardamom granola is versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. For a simple breakfast, serve it with milk or yogurt. The creamy texture of yogurt contrasts nicely with the crunchy granola, and the flavor of the cardamom really shines through. You can also top the granola with fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, or sliced apples for added freshness and nutrients.
If you’re looking for a quick snack, you can enjoy the granola on its own, straight from the jar. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it incredibly satisfying. Another fun idea is to use it as a topping for smoothies or smoothie bowls, adding a crunch to the creamy texture of the smoothies.
Conclusion
Pistachio Cardamom Granola is a delightful, nutritious, and easy-to-make treat that will elevate your breakfast or snack game. The combination of crunchy pistachios, aromatic cardamom, and sweet raisins creates a flavor profile that’s both unique and comforting. Homemade granola is a great alternative to store-bought varieties because it allows you to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars and preservatives.
Whether you’re a granola lover or a newcomer to this crunchy breakfast staple, pistachio cardamom granola is a recipe worth trying. The sweet and spicy flavors, paired with wholesome ingredients, make it a perfect snack for any time of the day. The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or on-the-go snacks.
Incorporating pistachios and cardamom into your granola not only introduces a unique flavor, but also provides health benefits. Pistachios are a rich source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while cardamom is packed with antioxidants. Together, they make for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you enjoy it by the handful, with yogurt, or sprinkled on top of oatmeal, this pistachio cardamom granola will become a favorite in your household. So why not make a batch today and enjoy the goodness of homemade granola?