When grocery aisles are overflowing with premade granola packages to choose from, it’s difficult to find ones you like and that are actually good for you. How much added sugar, fiber, and protein are all elements left up to the brand.

         That’s why we love the idea of making your own homemade blend of granola, or adding your favorite healthy ingredients to a pre-made one. Simple, easy, and customizable, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your morning breakfast.

           For this recipe we added the ancient African supergrain: Fonio. While this grain is a staple crop in Africa, it is relatively unknown in western culture. One of our goals is providing more information about this miracle crop to regions where it has never been heard of. We exclusively work with production partners who help to create a sustainable source of income, to strengthen communities, and to increase the quality of life by ethically trading with farmers for fonio and other traditional crops. Learn more about Fonio in the paragraphs below.

Tips & Facts

If you are unfamiliar with Fonio and don’t know where to start, here are some quick tips and facts to help with your cooking journey:

• Fonio is a West African ancient supergrain known as ‘The Seed of the Universe’ in African lore. Depended upon for thousands of years due to its nutritional benefits, as well as its ability to grow in poor soil conditions, it is a staple crop of Africa. While it is such an important part of West African cuisine and culture, it is relatively unknown outside of Africa. 
• Gluten-free and PACKED with plant-based protein, Fonio contains important sources of nutrients including fiber, B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate) and minerals (iron, magnesium and selenium) that help us feel fuller for longer. 
• Fonio provides a range of essential amino acids (methionine and cystine) vital to human health and deficient in today’s major cereals of wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, barley, and rye.
• One of the best features of this tiny wonder is the versatility it boasts in all cooking endeavors. It can be used as a gluten-free alternative to couscous, quinoa, rice, bulgur, and even hot breakfast cereal.
• Ready in just 5 min, Fonio is also very forgiving during prep. If it’s too wet, cook or steam for a few extra minutes. If it’s too dry, add more liquid and simmer. 

For a store bought granola mixture, we recommend Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond Granola. It contains chia seeds and almonds with only 6g of added sugar. Get it on Amazon for just $5.72. Click image above to link.

Lastly, this healthy granola fruit parfait is:

• High in protein
• No-bake
• Fully customizable

Healthy Granola Fruit Parfait

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 10 min

Directions

1. Put a small pan on low to medium heat, pour fonio and stir to toast until golden brown and fragrant. 
2. Turn off heat and add honey granola (or granola of choice), stir until well combined.
3. In a bowl or cup, layer yogurt, berries, and fonio granola mixture to your liking. 

Tips about this recipe: 

• One of the best things about this snack is that it’s fully customizable. While we chose to top our parfait with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, feel free to add your own favorite fruits, or fruit in season.
• You can also make this recipe dairy-free with alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk yogurt.

Nutrition:
Calories 327 | Fat 6.7g | Cholesterol 15mg | Sodium 64mg | Carbohydrates 52g | Fiber 4g | Sugars 20g | Protein 17.7g | Potassium 514mg | Calcium 196mg | Iron 3mg