A Delicious TCM Granola Recipe: A go-to treat that curbs my cravings and leaves me feeling satisfied

Giving into sweet cravings has been a guilty pleasure of mind. But when those 3pm cravings strike or the late-night wind downs on the couch call for a snack, I knew I needed a healthier option. So I decided to make a homemade granola that I could mix in with yogurt that hits the sweet tooth. A harmonious balance between my taste buds and well-being. Never buying store bought again!

This wholesome recipe is a blend of wisdom from TCM with the comforting goodness of homemade granola. TCM ingredients, whole grains, unrefined oils and naturally sweetened. Delicious.

By creating this wholesome treat at home, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to store-bought alternatives. Plus, it's budget friendly.

Great snack to have laying around especially during the postpartum period when you need a quick energy fix.

We have included black sesame, cinnamon, red dates, goji berries, and ginger. These TCM ingredients have been treasured for centuries for their rejuvenating properties.

• Black sesame, with its rich nutty flavour, is celebrated in TCM for its nourishing qualities by supporting the Kidneys, which can lead to healthy skin and hair while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

• The aromatic spices of cinnamon, warms the channels, especially the Kidneys to warm the low back and support your digestion.

• Red dates, also known as jujube, imparts a subtle sweetness and is revered for its ability to harmonise the body, tonifies Qi and blood, promote restful sleep and support digestion.
  
  
• Incorporating the vibrant tang of goji berries, offers a burst of antioxidants, bolstering your immune system and supports liver and eye health.

• The gentle warmth of ginger, renowned for its digestive benefits and its ability to soothe and comfort the body.

Treat your body and mind to a blend of wholesome ingredients rooted in ancient wisdom.

View our Instagram video here.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup almonds (or walnuts / pecans)
• ½ cup pepitas
• 3 tablespoons black sesame (toasted)
• 2 teaspoon of salt (I used sea salt flakes)
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped herborium red dates (deseeded)
• ½ - ¾ cup herborium goji berries (use less if you prefer less sweetness)
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Method

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (except red dates and goji berries).; oats, almonds, pepitas, black sesame, salt and ground cinnamon.
3. Add in wet ingredients; coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract and grated ginger (if using) and mix well until all dry ingredients are fully coated.
4. Line a large baking tray and pour granola into pan. Spread evenly.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Half way through, stir granola to evenly bake.
6. If you enjoy a clumpy granola, use a spatulate to press down into the granola so the ingredients aren’t loose. You do not need to go overboard with baking as it will continue to crisp up as it cools.
7. Take the tray out of the oven and add red dates and goji berries.
8. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. If you pressed your granola in, break the granola apart when fully cooled down. Recommend consuming within 2 weeks in an airtight container, or you can freeze up to 3 months.
9. Enjoy!

* Key healing benefits are based on TCM principles. 
*These statements have not been evaluated by the TGA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.