Spicy Bombay Granola

I love the idea of granola (healthy, snackable, satisfying), but have no sweet tooth. So I developed this recipe using strong savory/sweet/spicy flavors. It is addictive… and great to curb late afternoon hunger pangs, as well as yummy nibbles to serve with cocktails.

A great place to buy all the seeds, etc for this recipe is in a health food store in the bulk section (saves lots of $$). The recipe makes enough granola to share with friends (read: a lot), but it keeps well for many days in Tupperware or zip-top bag.

3 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)

3/4 cup unsweetened coconut

1/3 cup each: peanuts, flax seeds, toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 and 1/2 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup sesame sticks

1 cup fried peas or chopped, dried, apricots (optional)

1) Preheat the oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the oats, coconut and all the seeds and nuts. Heat the honey for just 10-20 seconds in the microwave to make it very runny.

2) Mix the warm honey with the brown sugar and oil, then drizzle over top the oat mixture, toss well with a large spoon. Sprinkle in the spices and salt, toss again to evenly distribute.

3) Spray a 1/2 sheet pan with non-stick spray and pile the granola into it, pressing down with a spatula, to compact it. When the oven is hot, bake for 15 minutes then, remove from the oven, stir (moving the outer edges in), and repack and compress the granola. Place back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes longer. Remove from the oven, the granola should be soft– this is good– allow the granola to cool completely (and harden). Once it is cool, you can break the granola up into chunks, then toss with peas or apricots and sesame sticks.