Hormone Healthy Chocolate Buckwheat Granola

Chocolate AND granola. It’s like all of my favorite foods got together in one perfect snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without sending your blood sugar through the roof. 

The star here is Buckwheat. One of my all-time favorite grains. It’s high in protein, fiber, B vitamins and full of minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron and folate. Buckwheat is used in many cultures throughout the world and is used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help strengthen qi. It’s an excellent blood sugar balancing carb as it’s high in fiber and plant based protein. 

Despite how the name sounds, buckwheat is actually gluten-free and is considered a seed. Although it’s much lower in fat and higher in starch than other seeds. It’s super versatile and adds an earthy, nutty flavor to any recipe. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups rolled oats 

• 1 cup raw buckwheat groats 

• 1 cup walnuts (chopped) 

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 

• 1/4 cup chia seeds 

• 1 tsp sea salt 

• 2 T coconut sugar 

• 1/3 cup Coconut oil 

• 1/3 cup Maple syrup 

• 1 tsp vanilla 

• 1/4 cup chocolate plant based protein powder 

• 2 T raw cacoa powder 

• 1/2 c vegan dark chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended) *

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

In a large bowl, add the oats, buckwheat, walnuts, coconut, cacoa and protein powder, chia seeds, sea salt and coconut sugar and stir to combine. 

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla until melted. Slowly pour over the dry mixture and stir until well coated. 

Using a cookie sheet lined with parchment, spread the mixture evenly across the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Then stir and bake for another 5-10. Watch carefully as it can easily burn. Let cool completely then break into chunks and enjoy as a snack or breakfast. No judgment here! 

• If you’re feeling a little extra, add a 1/2 cup each of freeze dried strawberries and mini chocolate chips for a chocolate dipped strawberry version.