Vegan Nutty Pear Granola Clusters

This nut-based granola is naturally sweetened with pear and is packed with healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling energised throughout the morning. Serve this with a dollop of coconut yoghurt and a handful of fresh berries. On its own, the granola makes a fabulously healthy on-the-go snack too. Make up a batch and store in an airtight container.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

115g gluten free oats (or use quinoa, millet or buckwheat flakes)
60g flaked almonds
60g walnut pieces
2 tbsp chia seeds
30g shelled hemp seed
60g sunflower seeds
60g pumpkin seeds
60g sesame seeds
30g coconut oil, melted
1 scoop (30g) plain or vanilla protein powder (optional)
1 ripe pear, chopped
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
4–6 tbsp apple juice or coconut water
60g goji berries or other dried berries

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 170°C/gas mark 4 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment.

Put the oats (or flakes), nuts and seeds in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Put the coconut oil, protein powder, chopped pear and cinnamon into a blender and process until smooth. Add enough apple juice to form a smooth, thick paste

Pour the wet mixture over the oats, and combine thoroughly with your hands to ensure the oats and nuts are well coated.

Spread the mixture on to the lined baking sheet and bake for 30–40 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow the granola to cool, then stir in the dried berries.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Per 50g serving: 205 kcal; 7.1g protein; 14.6g fat; 3.1g saturated fat; 11.8g carbohydrates; 4.7g sugars

Recipe Extract from Go Lean Vegan by Christine Bailey, published by Yellow Kite, £9.99