No-Sugar Nut and Seed Granola

Why it works

Shop granola is mostly sugar and seed oil. This is nuts, seeds, oats, olive oil and spice, so it adds fibre and fat without the spike. Pressing it flat and leaving it undisturbed is how you get clusters rather than dust.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup mixed nuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 (optional) very ripe banana, mashed (helps it clump)

Method

1. Heat the oven to 160C (140C fan) and line a large baking tray with paper.
2. In a big bowl, mix the oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds and flaxseed.
3. Add the olive oil, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and the mashed banana if using. Stir until every bit of oat looks glossy and damp.
4. Tip onto the tray and press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon into a thin, compact slab.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the tray once but not stirring, until evenly golden. It will still feel soft - it crisps as it cools.
6. Cool completely on the tray without touching it, then break into clusters with your hands. Store airtight for up to 2 weeks.

Swaps

Add unsweetened coconut flakes for the last 5 minutes only, so they toast without burning.