Sometimes texture can be just as important to a dish as flavor. It’s harder to enjoy something that’s just a bowl of mush.  Ok, aside from perhaps enjoying a whole dinner of say, mashed potatoes with copious amounts of butter or oodles of macaroni and cheese.  I have those days, too.  But sometimes there are some things that need a little crunch.

Enter this delicious and surprising garnish for a ho-hum dinner in need of some oomph.  Consider moderating the spices based on your dish.  I think a curry granola or a chile scented granola would be equally tasty.  And if you’re local to Columbus, stop by North Market Spices to pick up one of their many spice blends (which are amazing) to use.

Savory Cumin Granola

1 c rolled oats

1 T honey

1 T olive oil

1 t cumin seeds

1/2 t ground cumin

Generous pinch of salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Whisk together honey through salt and pepper.  Toss with the rolled oats.  Spread evenly across a silpat mat or parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring periodically to ensure the oats brown evenly.

Garnish lots of dinner things.  Fish with an edamame puree, for example.

Playlist included This Head I Hold, by Electric Guest.