Quinoa Pumpkin Granola

I feel like I’m one of those weirdos that doesn’t go crazy for pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie, and all other pumpkin products/baked goods that arrive in stores and shops at the beginning of fall. I didn’t grow up with it, so I tend to find the textures and flavors a bit too much for me. But every once and a while, there’s a pumpkin recipe that catches my eye enough to bookmark it. And once in a blue moon, there’s a pumpkin recipe that I actually make.

This year, a recipe for quinoa pumpkin granola caught my eye. I love granola in my morning yogurt and was intrigued by the addition of quinoa, a protein-packed seed. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this recipe. The pumpkin flavor was understated enough for me to enjoy the hint of that fall flavor. I loved the crunch of the quinua-oat granola, the slight nuttiness of the pepitas, and the brightness of the dried cranberries in my morning yogurt. Maybe I’m not such a pumpkin hater after all…

Quinoa Pumpkin Granola

Adapted from A Cookie Named Desire

Yields ~4 cups

Preheat oven to 325F.

Toast

• 1/2 c. uncooked quinoa, rinsed & dried

on a baking sheet in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

In a large bowl, combine quinoa with

• 2 c. old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 c. ground flaxseeds
• 2 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ginger
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. pepitas
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans*
• 1/2 c. dried cranberries
• 2 Tbs. brown sugar

* For a nut-free granola, I skipped the pecans and instead used 1 c. pepitas.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together

• 1/2 c. agave nectar
• 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

until combined. Stir into bowl with dry ingredients, until everything is coated. Pour onto baking sheet and bake until golden, about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Turn off oven and crack door. Allow granola to cool on baking sheet in the oven for 2 hours to get  crunch.

Store in an airtight container.