Matzoh granola is a delicious and Passover-friendly alternative to traditional granola, which typically contains oats. It’s made using matzoh (unleavened flatbread), nuts, seeds, sweeteners, and flavorings. Here’s how to make Matzoh Granola:
Ingredients:
- 4 sheets of matzoh, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts), chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries), optional
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Matzoh Pieces:
- Place the matzoh sheets in a large resealable plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or your hands. The pieces should be bite-sized but not completely crushed into crumbs.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed matzoh pieces, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Prepare Sweetener and Oil Mixture:
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup, vegetable oil or melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and salt. Microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm the mixture slightly, which will make it easier to mix.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the honey or maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet:
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the granola is golden brown, stirring once or twice during the baking time to ensure even cooking.
- Add Dried Fruit (Optional):
- If you’re using dried fruit, remove the granola from the oven, sprinkle the dried fruit evenly over the top, and gently press it into the granola. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the dried fruit is slightly softened.
- Cool:
- Remove the Matzoh Granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crisp.
- Store:
- Once the granola is completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bags for storage. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or longer in the refrigerator.
Matzoh granola is a versatile snack or breakfast option, and it’s perfect for Passover when traditional oats are not used. You can enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for desserts. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.