buckwheat granola

orange sprouted buckwheat granola (raw)

This is a five step recipe. From beginning to completion it can take up to two days, so make sure you plan. The first 2 steps will take you 10 minutes to set up and then they will independently take a few hours to complete. This step is so important, but this helps release the enzyme inhibitors in the seeds and grain, which allows for better digestion. I know, sounds crazy but it is soooo worth it! The next two steps will take about 15-20 minutes from start to clean up. And the last step is the longest (about 12-18 hours) but you can almost leave this step to complete itself…if you own a dehydrator…if not, you will have to baby sit the oven. So, if you want a delicious, crunchy breakfast alternative that is raw, still contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes…let’s get to it!

STEP ONE
2 C of Hulled buckwheat grain*
4 C of filtered water
Soak grain in filtered water over night or 8-12 hours.

STEP TWO
1 ½ C of raw hulled pumpkin seeds
1 ½ C of raw hulled sunflower seeds
3 C filtered water for EACH bowl of seeds

Soak pumpkin and sunflower seeds in separate bowls in filtered water for about 4-8 hours. They can be soaking while the buckwheat is soaking.

STEP THREE
Now it is time to rinse every thing that has been soaking. For the seeds, pour them out over a fine mesh strainer and rinse them well until the water runs clear. Let water strain out completely and place in a large bowl. Next, pour buckwheat over a fine mesh colander/strainer and rinse at least 5 times until the water strained flows through clear. You may have to shake it around and rinse a few more times. Look for grains that are very dark brown and pull them out-generally, they are too hard and will need to be thrown away. Let water strain out completely and place in the same bowl with the seeds.

Next, add 1 C hulled hemp seeds** to the seeds and buckwheat mixture and toss together gently in the big bowl.

STEP FOUR
2 organic Apples (granny smith work best-but use what you have or like)
10 Medjool Dates with pits removed
1½ C of Juiced Organic Oranges
(approx. 3 oranges-clean out pulp from juiced oranges; place in a bowl to use for later)
½ Lemon Juiced
A pinch of salt
½ C Fresh Orange Zest
Zest of 1 Lemon
¼ t Ground Cinnamon

Place all ingredients into a powerful blender and gradually work up to high speed. Add more orange juice to thin consistency as needed. Continue to blend until smooth. Pour over seed mixture and stir together until completely blended together. If you desire more sweetness, add some raw agave syrup*** or date sugar, or maple syrup (if all raw is not your dietary focus).

STEP FIVE
Once you have mixed everything together, taste the mixture. It will be delicious this way also as a breakfast porridge. Keep in mind that it will change taste and texture once you dehydrate it. But generally if it is good at this stage…it will be great dried-and a little less sweet.

In the dehydrator:
Place mixture evenly on square trays with teflex sheets. Mixture can be spread about ½ inch thick and about ½ inch away from edges. You may need up to 4 trays for all of your mixture. Place all trays into your (Excalibur) dehydrator, set the temperature to 115° F and dehydrate for 10 hours. Then, remove trays, flip granola over onto mesh tray, remove teflex sheet from granola and put back into dehydrator for another 6-8 hours-or until crunchy all through. Remove from dehydrator and place into a glass container, keep refrigerated and enjoy daily!

In a conventional oven:
Now this can be a little tricky, especially if you have a gas oven. Usually the lowest temperature is 200° F. If you have an electric range, you can usually get down to 150° F. Either way, set the oven to the lowest temperature. Use a wooden spoon to keep the oven door ajar by placing it at the top of the door. You may want to make this in the winter season, or at night during the summer because heat will escape and warm up the place.

Next, place the mixture on one or two rectangular cookie sheets, bottom side up (so the granola is on the outside bottom of the tray-you can use foil between the tray and granola if you feel you need to) and place trays on the lowest rack in the oven. You will need to check on this about every hour or two just to make sure it is not burning. Also, you will want to turn the granola over a few times to make sure it dries evenly. This will probably take about half the time it will take in a dehydrator or less, but just keep your eye on it until it gets crunchy all through. Remove from oven and place into a glass container, keep refrigerated and enjoy daily!

* Buckwheat Grain-is not related to wheat at all. You can find this wonderful grain in most health food stores-either in bulk or packaged.

**Hemp Seeds-these are wonderful little sources of protein. You can also find this wonderful seed in most health food stores-usually packaged.

***Agave Syrup-this is a natural sweetener made from the cactus plant. It is usually cooked so look for the raw version if you are a strict raw foodist. Again, you can find this sweet treat in most health food stores.