Home-Made Granola: Is It Worth It?

Is it worth making granola? On Pebble Soup, the quality of food and taste are often discussed, at HQ, like in any other household, budget is also an important criteria.  On the face of it, some products such as granola seem rather expensive, commercial granola cost a rough average of 65p per 100g. Considering that the main ingredient is rolled oats which is very cheap, I decide to investigate.

 

First things first, having some friends around helped for the ever-so-important tasting-test. The first batch of Granola was made using Jilly Dupleix' recipe. It was not anywhere near as good as the commercial one we normally use, far less crispy which is due to the roasting method. I do not think that home oven can achieve the commercial crispiness.

 

The second trial happened on his birthday, in a wonderful breakfast room overlooking the sea in Devon. Chef parted with his recipe and even there, it was not as crispy as  commercial brands. However in both cases home-made granolas were very respectable.

 

Now cost wise:

 

Ingredients needed and break-down for basic ingredients per 100g (this is an average)

• 400g Oatmeal Flakes                                                 20p
• 100g dried fruit – cranberries, cherries, apricots….       30p
• 100g sultanas                                                           19p
• 100g hazelnuts or walnuts                                    £1.10p
• 50g dessicated coconut                                              70p
• Pinch sea salt
• 4 tbsp honey                                                             50p
• 3 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated)

not costed

• 3 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 3 tbsp sesame seeds
• 100g flaked almond

Total about £3.00 per 100g which I am sure can be compressed but came as a bit of a shock. Of course buying in bulk would help but still making granola at home is not economical however home made granola can be used for breakfast and for cereal bars which then tends to make it better value.

 

Method for the recipe

Ingredients as above

it takes between 30 minutes and 1h and is easy to make

 

Mix oats, seeds, nuts and salt in a large bowl.

Heat  honey, olive oil and spices in small pan until just melted and add to the dry ingredients.

Mix well using a spatula

Spread evenly over two lined baking trays.

Bake for 20-30 mins,

shake a couple of times, until nicely toasted.

Remove from the oven and add in the dried fruits.

Allow to cool and then store in several airtight container.