Sometimes you just never know when or where you are going to meet your new favorite food. In my case, it was on a breakfast buffet in a fancy (to me) hotel in Brisbane a couple of months ago. Along with other cereals, fruit and yogurt, there was a container of something called Toasted Muesli. It looked interesting, so I spooned a little on top of my bowl of yogurt and fruit.
muesli with fresh fruit
It was great that way, adding crunch and taste much like granola does. As I was savoring each bite, I had one of my “I can make this” moments. So I went back to the buffet and got a little dish of just the muesli by itself. Then I borrowed a pen and piece of paper from my wife and we started trying to identify all the ingredients.
Dry Toasted Muesli
Along with a base of rolled oats, it had sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, along with almonds, raisins, coconut, and buckwheat groats. I also saw some tiny little puffy white bits, and I was amazed to pull one out and see it was popped amaranth. Now I was hooked. I had to make this when I got home!
Muesli was developed around 1900 by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for his patients to eat as part of a healthy diet. His version featured more fruits than grains, but today muesli has morphed into a mix that can contain just about any combination of grains, nuts, and fresh or dried fruits. It can be served dry, or with milk or fruit juice added before serving, or even soaked in liquid overnight. I usually serve mine with added fresh fruit and a splash of almond milk. And sometimes I let the milk soak in for a half hour or so before I eat it.
muesli after toasting
Most of the recipes I found for toasted muesli had oil and sweeteners added, unlike the one I had in Brisbane. So I did my own experimenting, and came up with a version that suited my tastes. The grains and nuts are lightly toasted in the oven, without any added oil or sweeteners. After they cool, they are mixed with dried fruit.
Dry Toasted Muesli
The combinations for muesli are endless. You can easily adapt this recipe to include your own favorite grains, fruits, seeds and nuts. I love the addition of popped amaranth, which adds fiber and protein as well as a nice flavor and texture. I pop the dry amaranth in a deep sauce pan over medium heat, adding one tablespoon at a time and then quickly closing the lid. It pops in a few seconds, and then I remove it to a bowl and add another spoonful.
Dry Toasted Muesli 
Print This Recipe
Inspired by the version at the Sofitel Hotel in Brisbane
5 cups thick old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup buckwheat groats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (raw, unsalted)
1-1/2 cup mixed dried fruit
1/2 cup popped amaranth (about 2 tbsp raw seed)
1. Combine oats, buckwheat, almonds, coconut, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds in mixing bowl, stir to combine.
2. Spread seed and grain mixture over dry sheet pan. Bake in 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until lightly toasted, stirring once or twice.
3. Remove pans from oven, stir in dried fruit and popped amaranth while still warm.
4. Let mixture cool thoroughly. Store in airtight container.
Servings: 27 (1/3 cup each)
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition (per serving): 157 calories, 49 calories from fat, 6.2g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 1.7mg sodium, 67.8mg potassium, 22.1g carbohydrates, 3.5g fiber, 5g sugar, 4.8g protein, 19.1mg calcium, 1.4g saturated fat.
Sounds yummy! Will have to give this a try… thanks!
That looks delicious. I used to make my own granola because the store bought stuff was just too sweet. I haven’t in a long time though.
I made some muesli this morning, I make it regularly with very similar ingredients to yours but without the popped amaranth though – I must seek it out and try some.
I am trying to grow amaranth this year. I hope I am successful. I love the idea of popping the seeds. 🙂
I am going to try growing it to for the first time. It is amazing how those tiny little seeds pop up, just like popcorn!
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How do you pop the amaranth?
I pop it in a stainless steel dutch oven or large sauce pan, one tablespoon at a time. Here’s the basic instructions: http://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/popped-amaranth
Thank you. do you know if the buckwheat groats should be raw or roasted?
I just noticed you have a description of how you pop amaranth in the above post. Sorry to bother you with the question. Thank you for being so kind with your reply.
What is your favorite dried fruit to add?
We add lots of different fruits , including dried apples, blueberries, cherries, apricots and raisins.