Last Updated on January 12, 2020 by Chef Mireille
These Turmeric Apricot Nutmeg Granola Bars are wholesome and healthy granola bars is full of ingredients that have natural healing capabilities including turmeric and nutmeg…oh and they’re delicious too!!!
When I think of turmeric, I usually think of savory foods. However as the west has discovered all of the health benefits of this spice, turmeric is finding its way into all sorts of over the counter food products including smoothies, ice cream, jam and donuts. Living in a city with such a global foodie culture as New York City, this is usually one of the first places in America that trends take root. Turmeric is finding its way into the most unique places.
Healthy Turmeric
Turmeric Ice Cream, Golden Milk, Turmeric Doughnuts…and the list goes on. You can’t go far anymore without finding something made with turmeric. With all the health benefits of turmeric, there are also turmeric supplements as an alternative to getting it in your food. Learn more about these and all the amazing health benefits of turmeric!
A few weeks ago when I explored Lebanese cuisine, I posted a classic Sfoof recipe, which is a cake flavored with a good bunch of turmeric, as well as anise and flower waters. Surprised as I was, this sweet cake was delicious despite the large amount of turmeric in it. Inspired by the flavors of this cake, I created these granola bars with a similar flavor profile.
The nutmeg syrup I used in this recipe I had purchased on my trip to Malaysia last year, where nutmeg is prevalent and finds its way into everything from drinks and curries to candy. Nutmeg has many great health benefits too and can help with basic ailments from headaches to nausea.
One day when I was in Penang with my friends waiting for a bus to go to Kek Lok Si Temple, I was struck with a severe case of nausea I think from the heat as I had only had a light breakfast that morning and nothing out of the ordinary to cause nausea. I was having severe stomach cramps that I could barely stand up straight. Even here in NYC which is not nearly as hot, I have been known to get heat strokes when the temps go over 100 F. We stopped at a roadside kiosk to get some water and when the owner saw me struggling to stand up, she asked what was wrong. She then suggested the nutmeg candy and within minutes, my nausea was gone and I was able to enjoy the beautiful visit to the temple. I now keep a supply of nutmeg candy which I get from a local Asian supermarket and whenever I get headaches, nausea or heartburn, I first try this natural cure instead of medicine and it works most of the time.
Nutmeg syrup is made from the nutmeg fruit and not the pit, which is the spice we are all used to. The fresh fruit is not available in the US, however you can order the preserved fruit here on Amazon and it would be the best substitute. You can then use this guide to make the syrup. But if you still don’t want to bother, the best substitute would be maple syrup with a teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
This granola bar is fusion Lebanese and Malaysian inspired granola bar. I hope you like it as much as I did!
IN THE MAKING
A great snack for any time!
Turmeric Apricot Nutmeg Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 6 cups oats
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup nutmeg syrup
- ½ cup apricot nectar
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
- ½ cup chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons egg white
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 .
- Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper and non stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, salt and butter. Toss well.
- Lay in a cookie sheet on a single layer. Toast for 15 minutes, tossing the oats halfway through.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, nutmeg and apricot nutmeg. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add turmeric, orange blossom water, dried apricots and pumpkin seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg white.
- Add toasted oats and egg white. Mix until thoroughly combined and well moistened.
- Transfer to prepared cookie sheet. Spread into a 10x10 square.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Leave to cool.
- Slice into bars.
Nutrition
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The ingredients in the bar are so unique . We all are aware of the healing powers of turmeric and use in our daily diet , but adding to granola is new to me . I am not a nutmeg person but the syrup sounds interesting . A nice and healthy bar .
after making that sfoof cake, I am hooked now on putting turmeric in sweets!
Turmeric granola bar sounds different to me. This is paked with healthy ingredient and luv the way it is presented.
I’ve never heard of nutmeg syrup. Turmeric granola is definitely a great healthy treat.
I believe it is something unique to Malaysia.
I was about to comment on this unusual granola bar then immediately stopped and thought of making it myself and then commenting. Alas! I don’t have many ingredients with me. Then I started looking for substitutes. Yes, I can make this granola bar. For the time being I have postponed the idea of making it, but certainly gonna try this ASAP
it is an unusual combination but I promise you its delicious
I first saw about turmeric in sweets in your blog. And now I am totally interested. Next time I make a sweet, I will be adding some turmeric powder. And the nutmeg syrup sounds so good. Such a flavourful snack..
Turmeric and apricot sounds totally delicious in granola ..Lovely innovation!!
Turmeric is a way of life with us but I haven’t used nutmeg so much. Nice to know about its natural helming properties. And making that nutritious granola bar is inspired and inspiring! This should be a fabulous breakfast bar.
with my family from the Caribbean, nutmeg is very common with us. Great flavor and now that I’ve learned the health benefits I use it even more
Yes, we usually include turmeric in savory dishes everyday. Adding it to sweets is definitely new to me. The ingredients sound so healthy not to mention delicious!
the Lebanese Sfoof cake was the first time I tried it but now I am a fan of turmeric in sweet
it’s great to discover this healthy ingredient can be added to sweets also