One of the more popular articles on this site outlines the dangers of granola even if organic and low sugar. Granola or muesli made with rolled oats or other grains is not only very indigestible but potentially harming your long term gut health. Over time, frequent consumption may contribute to the development of autoimmune disease like allergies or worse.
Newsflash for those who eat traditionally. Even homemade granola made with soaked or sprouted oats is not a very digestible choice at all which initially can come as a shock to granola lovers who thought it was a healthfood.Â
Homemade Nutola (Paleo Granola)
I don’t like to point out problems without also providing a solution if possible. For you granola fans out there, here is a grain free granola recipe from Kim Schuette, founder of BioDynamic Wellness that should satisfy that hankering for a bowl of granola without compromising your digestive function. It uses soaked nuts and seeds instead of grains. Sprouted nuts and seeds can be used as well or a mixture. This article compares the benefits of sprouting vs soaking.
It is the perfect granola substitute for Paleos or those following a gut healing protocol like the GAPS Diet, Autoimmune Paleo or SCD.
Paleo Grain Free Granola Recipe (Nutola)
Tasty grain free granola, also called nutola, for improved digestibility and nutrient absorption. Perfect for Paleos or those on a gut healing protocol.
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw soaked almonds
- 3 cups raw soaked walnuts
- 3 cups soaked cashews
- 1 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds
- 1/4-1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup raw honey optional
- 2 cups raisins or chopped dates
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 Tbl vanilla extract
- 1 Tbl ground cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
Instructions
-
Chop soaked nuts. Tip: it is easier to chop different types of nuts if they are not mixed together.
-
Mix nuts and sprouted pumpkin seeds together in a bowl.
-
Combine coconut oil, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt in saucepan over low heat until fully mixed. Be sure to keep this mixture under 118 F else the beneficial compounds in the raw honey will be destroyed. Pour over nuts and mix well.
-
Add raisins and shredded coconut. Store your grain free granola in an airtight container. Best if refrigerated.
-
Serve grain free granola with raw milk or cream and add some berries if desired.
Recipe Notes
Substitute chopped dates for raisins or use half raisins, half dates as desired.
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
What is the process for soaking and dehydrating Pumpkin Seeds?
Can you explain why it’s ok to eat oatmeal (rolled oats), soaked and cooked, but it’s not a good digestable option to have it in granola?
Beautiful recipe! We gave some away as a Christmas gift this year. It was well received. 🙂
Where do you buy your raw nuts? I find them to be very expensive at health food stores. Is there a reasonable Internet option?
“I wish I’d known about that rule earlier”, she said.I saw it with my own eyes.Mr.Wang is fixing his bike.If she finds out you spilled ink on her coat, she’ll blow her stack.I have no choice.One third of this area is covered with forest.One third of this area is covered with forest.Let bygones be bygones.I’ll have to try that.Your answer is satisfying.
Well, unfortunately my husband’s review was that it was edible except for he had to spend the entire time eating it having to pick out the pumpkin seeds. I guess soaking them in salt water and dehydrating them wasn’t enough. Maybe the recipe should specify that you need to buy roasted ones? What kind did other people use? I just used ones that came out of our carved pumpkin.
I made a half batch of this but substituted the honey with maple syrup because my husband is allergic to honey (or whatever pollen the bees used). I will have to find a recipe for soaking oatmeal so that I can continue to eat that for breakfast, but am hoping that my husband likes this (he will not eat mushy oatmeal cereal). It was crazy expensive to buy all of these nuts organic. I added the pumpkin seeds in with the nuts (the recipe doesn’t mention what to do with the seeds). I just used seeds from the pumpkin my husband carved. Also, off topic, but I’ll have to search your site–do you know anything about low iron and 15 month olds? The doctor just prescribed iron for my daughter. Also, her lead level is 4 so I’m worried (we live in an old house). Just thought I’d write that since I’m worried, even though this might not be the right place.
Enjoying a small bowl of this nutola for my night time snack.,very tasty. Hoping my kids will find it tasty tomorrow for breakfast! Thank you!
Hi Sarah
After reading your article last time and not eating gluten I made your spelt cereal on oats and buckwheat. I basically did the same thing with oat, rice and buckwheat flour. Also I made up the same coffee cake with soaked overnight rolled oats, sultanas, nuts etc and crumbled it and dried it out. I ended up with a great granola that was soaked and cooked properly.
I cant wait to try this nut one.
take care