Golden Quinoa Crunch Bars

Quinoa Granola Bars Recipe

Preparation Time: 4 hours
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 40 bars
Calories per Serving: 113.4

Description

Indulge in the wholesome goodness of these homemade Quinoa Granola Bars, crafted with love and packed with nutritious ingredients. Though the preparation may seem lengthy, fear not, for the steps are simple and can be tackled in stages, allowing you to multitask and even leave some parts unattended. Adapted from a recipe found on quinoa.com, these bars are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack, earning their place as a family-friendly favorite. With keywords like “Grains,” “Kid Friendly,” and “Weeknight,” these bars promise versatility and appeal to all ages.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup granola cereal
• 1/2 – 1 cup mixed dried fruit
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

Instructions

1. Soak the Quinoa:

   • Begin by soaking the dry quinoa in 1/2 cup of water for two hours, allowing it to absorb moisture and soften.

2. Prepare the Granola:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked quinoa, rolled oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, and honey to create the granola mixture.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) in preparation for toasting the granola.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a small saucepan, heat the oil and honey until thin. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined.

5. Toast the Granola:

   • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a jelly roll pan and toast it in the preheated oven for about an hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting.

6. Store the Granola:

   • Once toasted to a golden brown hue, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Store it in a plastic bag until ready to use.

7. Prepare the Quinoa Blend:

   • In a pot, cook the mixed dried fruit with 2 cups of water until half of the water has evaporated, approximately 45 minutes.
   • Add 3/4 cup of dry quinoa and enough water to cover it plus a quarter-inch. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking.

8. Preheat the Oven (again):

   • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for baking the bars.

9. Blend the Quinoa Mixture:

   • Reserve 1 cup of the cooked quinoa and pour the rest, along with the cooking liquid and fruit pieces, into a blender. Blend until the large fruit pieces are chopped up.

10. Add Flavorings:

    • To the blender, add the remaining ingredients: 1/2 cup of raisins, salt, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ripe banana. Blend until smooth, adjusting the thickness with water if necessary.

11. Combine with Granola:

    • Transfer the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in the granola, 1/2 cup of dried fruit, and chopped dates until well combined, creating a thick, cohesive mixture.

12. Bake the Bars:

    • Press the mixture evenly into a greased and floured glass baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the bars are set.

13. Cool and Cut:

    • Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into your desired number of bars, ensuring neat and even portions for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Quinoa Granola Bars as a nutritious breakfast on the go, a satisfying midday snack, or a wholesome treat for any time of day. Pair them with a glass of milk, a dollop of yogurt, or simply savor them on their own for a burst of energy and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 113.4
• Fat: 3.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 32.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 18.8g
  • Fiber: 1.9g
  • Sugar: 5.6g
• Protein: 2.8g

Embrace the joy of homemade goodness with these delightful Quinoa Granola Bars, brimming with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. With a bit of patience and a whole lot of love, you’ll create a batch of bars that will disappear as quickly as you can say, “Seconds, please!” 🌟🍌🥥