Cinnamon Popcorn Granola

My favorite part about making homemade granola is adding all my favorite nuts and seeds, spices, and grains, but have you ever thought of adding popcorn to it? Well I have and this recipe is a must try! Sounds like an odd combo but adds such a great texture to the already delicious granola. Similar to my Oil-Free Granola Recipe, this one is completely gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and oil-free! Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and ginger mixed with some crunchy coconut! Great served with some coconut yogurt, with some non-dairy milk, or on top of smoothie bowls! Recipe video at the end of this post!

Ingridients:

• 1/3 cup unpopped popcorn (or 4-5 cups popped)
• 2.5 cups oats
• 2 tbs amaranth
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. To make oil-free popcorn is simple if you have an air popper. If you do follow the directions on the box and continue with the recipe. If not you will also need some paper bags and a microwave. Add half of the kernels into a brown bag and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until the popping has slowed. Repeat with the second half of kernels and continue with the recipe
3. In a large bowl measure out popcorn. If you want a little less texture, measure out 4 cups. Personally I like lots of popcorn bits so I went with 5 cups
4. Add in the oats, amaranth, coconut, and spices
5. Mix well until combined
6. Pour over the maple syrup and fold together
7. You may need to smash down the popcorn to get it evenly incorporated
8. Line two baking trays with parchment paper
9. Divide the granola mixture onto the two trays and spread it out in an even layer
10. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from the oven. With a spatula, flip all the pieces around
11. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes
12. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the try. Do not move the granola around because that will break up the clusters
13. Serve with coconut yogurt or a smoothie bowl! THis granola goes great with every smoothie bowl recipe from This Post!