Aquafaba
There’s a secret ingredient in this sweet and crunchy granola: Aquafaba!
Aqua-what? Don’t worry, it’s likely sitting in your pantry and you don’t even know it. Aquafaba is simply the liquid from a can of chickpeas. Yup – when draining your chickpeas simply collect the liquid. Aquafaba lacks flavor on its own so you won’t be picking up a bean taste.
Pro Tip: When you’re using canned chickpeas for a different recipe, you can transfer the aquafaba to a freezer bag or container and freeze and save it until you’re ready to make this Chunky Granola or our Spicy Nut Mix. Just don’t forget to move it to the fridge to thaw a day or two in advance.
Aquafaba works a lot like egg whites – it has foaming properties when whisked (pictured below). The foam then coats the oats and distributes the flavors evenly, while also allowing the granola to get nice and crispy without oil.
Ingredients
In this granola recipe, the sweetness comes from the dates and is balanced with a mix of nutrient-packed seeds (pepitas and sunflower).
The chia seeds bring some healthy, anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 fats to the party.
Those whole grain rolled oats contribute fiber that promotes fullness, lowers cholesterol and keeps you regular. ?
Ways to Enjoy
This is a pretty big batch. I go this route because: 1 – it uses all of the aquafaba from a can of beans, and 2 – it stores well in the freezer and is convenient to have on hand.
Ways that we enjoy it:
- On-the-go hand-held snack
- Sprinkled over acai bowls
- Topped with almond milk (we love JOI!*) and berries
- Added to salads for an extra crunch
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats fall in the “carbs” category often giving them a bad name. However, being a whole grain, they offer health-promoting nutrients, provide energy and keep you satisfied. Rolled oats are a far-cry from processed carbs that have important nutrients taken away and, often, come with unhealthy additives. To learn more about the benefits of eating whole grains and other healthy carbs, check out: 7 Reasons these Dietitians are Pro-Carb and Not Low-Carb.
A final note about oats – have you ever wondered why oatmeal is found in beauty products? It actually has unique anti-inflammatory compounds great for relieving skin irritation. Just like it reduces inflammation on the outside, it does the same for our insides! ?
If you’re wondering what to do with the chickpeas (since you now have a use for the liquid) here’s a few great options: Homemade Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Cinnamon Almond Blondies
Here’s some tools we used to whip up this yummy recipe: food processor, hand mixer, baking sheets(*affiliate links)
Oil-Free Chunky Granola made with Aquafaba
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Mixer
- Baking Sheets
Ingredients
- 1 cup deglet dates pitted
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- aquafaba from 1 15oz can chickpeas approximately 3/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a food processor fitted with an S-blade, blend pitted dates and water until smooth.
- Combine oats, pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium bowl, using a whisk attachment, whip the aquafaba with an electric mixture for 5 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and date mixture to whipped aquafaba and mix until combined.
- Pour aquafaba mixture over dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Divide between the two parchment-lined baking sheets, spread evenly, bake for 20 minutes, stir and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool. Enjoy topped with almond milk, over a smoothie bowl or as is!
Notes
Nutrition
*We are a participant in affiliate programs, advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. We use the products and ingredients that we link to and recommend them because we believe they are the best choice for you.
