Once upon a time, I used to make granola every week or two for a quick and convenient homemade breakfast… but it’s been quite a long while since my last batch. Today I’ve made a low carb, gluten-free, grain-free and vegan version of my favourite granola, filled with lots of delicious and healthy nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes that will start your day without a sugar rush and the inevitable mid-morning crash.
Making this brought back memories – I loved the process of roughly chopping up the nuts, heating the honey and oil, stirring everything together, and breaking up the golden crunchy clusters as it cooled. But the best thing was the amazing smell that came from my oven and wafted through my apartment as it cooked – I had really missed that!
This grain free granola is so tasty – I have other 5 people and counting telling me how delicious it is! I’ve been eating it on it’s own, with some coconut yoghurt or almond milk, and sprinkled on top of green smoothies or smoothie bowls. But if you want to get a little extra at breakfast time, I have something special for you… Papaya coconut yoghurt boats!
I’ve seen this yummy idea on Instagram and in a few Sydney cafes and wanted to try it myself. The papaya seeds are scooped out and the fruit itself is used as a bowl for whatever delicious toppings you like – yoghurt, chia pudding, banana ‘nicecream’ or a smoothie, and whatever fruit is currently in season. Papayas are loaded with nutrients and health benefits – especially for immunity and digestion – making this breakfast healthy, delicious, and actually really fun to eat!
At the moment, I’m making the most of the last of summer berries and figs – all my favourite things. I made it again on another day with sliced banana, fresh passionfruit and mango. Both times, the homemade grain free granola sprinkled over the top gave it a great crunch. I love how colourful and inviting they look – in a perfect world I’d eat this for breakfast every single day.
While I don’t label myself as following any kind of diet, I know that I feel much better when I’m eating lower carbs and less dairy. Coconut yoghurt is a favourite of mine because it doesn’t leave me feeling bloated, and you only need a little bit to be satisfied because it’s so creamy and thick. I definitely have to experiment with making it from scratch at home, because damn girl, it’s expensive!
Of course like any of my posts, this is just a starting point and you can tweak the granola recipe to include any of your favourite nuts and seeds. You could even add some dried fruits like goji berries, sultanas or dried blueberries after it has baked and cooled. I’d love to try a version with cacao nibs and pistachios thrown in. The options are endless to truly make it your own and suitable for your own tastes and dietary requirements.
Related Post: Anti-Hayfever Smoothie (another delicious papaya recipe!)
Papaya Fruit Boats with Grain Free Granola
Papaya Fruit Boats topped with coconut yoghurt, seasonal fruit and grain free granola. A delicious, colourful and super healthy breakfast idea!
Ingredients
Grain Free Granola
- 200 g almonds
- 50 g pecans
- 60 g cashews
- 75 g sunflower seeds
- 90 g pepitas
- 160 g coconut flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup rice malt syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Papaya Fruit Boats
- 1 papaya,
- 500 g coconut yoghurt
- 2 figs, sliced
- Handful of raspberries and blueberries
- Fresh baby herbs or edible flowers, optional
- Grain free granola (recipe above)
Instructions
-
To make the grain free granola, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line 2 trays with non-stick baking paper.
-
Roughly chop the almonds, pecans and cashews and place into a bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut flakes and cinnamon and stir to combine.
-
Roughly chop the almonds, pecans and cashews and place into a bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut flakes and cinnamon and stir to combine.
-
To make the papaya fruit boats, cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Fill the centres with coconut yoghurt. Top with your favourite fresh fruits, I’ve used sliced figs, raspberries and blueberries here. Scatter with grain free granola and fresh baby herbs or edible flowers if you like.
One Comment on “Papaya Fruit Boats with Grain Free Granola”
This looks so pretty and so tasty! And don’t you just love homemade granola?! One of our favorites at my house!