Jujube and Goji Granola
🏃♀️ Whether you’re exploring SXSW or powering through a busy workday, this granola is a simple, delicious way to meal-prep, combining herbs and ingredients that nourish your body and provide sustained energy!
🏃♀️ As Austin locals and visitors gear up for the final stretch of SXSW this, there’s no better time to share an energizing and nourishing recipe. Whether you’re running between concerts or work/school, this recipe doubles as a grab-and-go snack or a versatile topping for your breakfast bowl—perfect for keeping you powered through the week… and staying ‘regular’ with the change in routine!
Benefits:
Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma):
These tiny seeds pack a big punch, especially for supporting liver and kidney health. Black sesame seeds are known to nourish Yin, essence (Jing), and Blood, helping reduce fatigue and support liveliness. They’re also great for strengthening hair and skin, as well as lubricating the intestines to promote smooth digestion.
Ginger (Sheng Jiang):
Ginger is a warming herb that helps dispel cold, promote Qi flow, and improve digestion. It’s perfect for keeping your digestive system in check during a busy week of indulgent food and drink choices and supporting general immunity as you are around large crowds.
Jujube Dates (Da Zao):
These sweet, nourishing fruit is key in TCM for tonifying Qi and Blood, particularly the spleen and stomach. Jujube dates are a fantastic ingredient for boosting energy, calming the mind (shen), supporting women’s health as well as overall immunity.
Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi):
Known as a superfood in both Western nutrition and TCM, goji berries are sweet and neutral. They tonify the Yin of the liver and kidneys, benefit the eyes, moisten the lungs, and boost energy/cognitive function.
Jujube and Goji Granola
INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 chopped nuts OR preferred seed (sunflower, pumpkin, etc)
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon finely minced ginger OR ginger paste
2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
3 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup jujube dates (pitted and chopped)
1/4 cup goji berries
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Mix the ingredients: In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients EXCEPT for the jujube and goji berries. Then incorporate the wet ingredients while mixing until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread onto the tray: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly to bake.
Bake the granola: Place the tray in the oven and bake for approximately 17 minutes, or until the granola is toasted and crispy. Check on the granola occasionally, stirring the mix to ensure even cooking. Take out the tray to add the jujube and goji berries and bake for 3 additional minutes.
Cool and store: Once baked, let the granola cool completely.Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy a great topping or on-the-go snack within 3-6 months!
photo and recipe inspiration to The Five Elements Cookbook
