Nekisia’s Olive Oil and Sea Salt Granola

Indulging in a satisfying and flavorful breakfast can set the tone for the entire day. Enter Nekisia’s Olive Oil and Sea Salt Granola—a recipe that defies convention and transforms the humble granola into a culinary masterpiece. If you’ve ever found store-bought granola lacking in flavor, sweetness, or crunch, this recipe is about to revolutionize your breakfast game.

Nekisia Davis’s Early Bird Granola proved to be a game-changer for those who thought granola was just another breakfast option. With its nutty undertones, perfectly toasted oats, and a touch of salt that elevates every bite, this granola shatters preconceived notions. It was this revelation that led to a quest for the recipe, which Nekisia kindly shared. What was the secret? A symphony of fundamental culinary principles: Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat.

The journey begins with salt—a generous sprinkle of flaky salt that awakens the taste buds with each crunch. And then, the substitution of traditional neutral oils with extra-virgin olive oil infuses the granola with a rich and distinctive flavor that speaks of its Mediterranean origin. The magic doesn’t stop there; Nekisia achieves a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity by employing dark and robust Grade A maple syrup. This variety of maple syrup carries a nuanced acidity, adding depth to the granola’s flavor profile.

The art of slow and careful toasting at low heat bestows a deep, dark hue upon the granola while enhancing its complexity with the wonders of caramelization and the Maillard reaction. This toasting process itself becomes an instrument for orchestrating layers of flavor, including subtle acidic undertones.

Crafting a bowl of this granola goes beyond breakfast—it’s a culinary adventure. The carefully curated ingredients come together to create a symphony of textures, flavors, and aromas that elevate the act of eating into a multisensory experience. The granola’s versatility shines as it can be effortlessly sprinkled over yogurt for a delightful tangy crunch or enjoyed on its own, offering a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup hulled pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup hulled sunflower seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips
• 1 1/2 cups halved pecans
• 2/3 cup dark and robust Grade A maple syrup
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• Sel gris or Maldon sea salt
• Optional: 1 cup dried sour cherries or quartered dried apricots

PREPARATIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, pecans, maple syrup, olive oil, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
3. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes with a metal spatula, until the granola is toasted and crisp, about 45 to 50 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, season with more salt to taste, and let it cool completely.
6. If desired, stir in dried cherries or apricots.
7. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

TIPS

• Experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to customize the granola to your preference.
• Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Adjust the level of salt according to your taste preferences.
• Enjoy the granola on its own, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 110mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

Nekisia’s Olive Oil and Sea Salt Granola is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully and prepared with care, can transform into a breakfast that awakens the senses. With its bold flavors, perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and satisfying crunch, this granola is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of the art of cooking. By embracing the principles of Salt, Fat, Acid, and Heat, Nekisia Davis has created a recipe that has the power to redefine your perception of granola, one delectable bite at a time.