Begin your day with this resourceful and delicious breakfast that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. This recipe cleverly uses nuts to create both a creamy, homemade milk and a crunchy, flavorful granola, minimizing waste and maximizing taste. Feel free to experiment with different nuts to create unique flavors, or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, or brazil nuts all work beautifully. The process begins by soaking the nuts overnight, allowing them to soften and plump up, which is key to creating a smooth and rich milk. The next day, blend the soaked nuts with fresh water until creamy.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cloth to separate the milk from the pulp. A powerful blender will yield a thicker, creamier milk in less time, but a standard blender will work just as well with a bit more blending. The leftover nut pulp, often discarded, becomes the star of the granola.
Because the pulp is moist, it needs to be thoroughly dried out in the oven before it can crisp up. Baking at a low temperature for an extended period ensures that the granola becomes perfectly crunchy without burning. If you like your plant-based milk sweeter, add a touch of liquid sweetener like stevia, along with a splash of vanilla extract or a spoonful of cocoa powder for added flavor.
The nut pulp granola is incredibly versatile. The basic recipe can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Add chopped nuts, seeds, and spices to create your own signature blend.
After baking, you can incorporate dried fruits or sugar-free chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness and texture. Store the homemade nut milk in the refrigerator for up to a week. As it does not contain any stabilizers, it may separate, so be sure to shake it well before using.
The granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the refrigerator for two to three weeks, or in the freezer for even longer. This recipe yields several servings, perfect for a delicious and wholesome start to your day.