Ingredients
This recipe is all about highlighting the natural flavors of a few key ingredients. Quality is key here, so choose the best you can find for a truly exceptional taste experience.
- Yogurt: (2 cups) The creamy base of our parfait. Opt for plain yogurt to control the sweetness and allow the mango and granola flavors to shine. Greek yogurt adds extra protein and a thicker texture, while regular yogurt offers a lighter consistency. You can even explore plant-based yogurts like coconut, almond, or soy for a dairy-free version.
- Ripe Mango: (1-2 large, or 2 cups diced) The star of the show, bringing tropical sweetness and vibrant color. Choose mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Honey mangoes, Ataulfo mangoes, or Tommy Atkins mangoes all work wonderfully. Fresh mango is best, but frozen mango chunks, thawed and drained, can also be used in a pinch.
- Granola: (1 cup) Provides the delightful crunch and textural contrast. Choose your favorite granola – homemade or store-bought. Look for varieties with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for added flavor and nutrition. Consider options like oat-based, nut-based, or even grain-free granola depending on your preferences and dietary needs.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): (1-2 tablespoons, or to taste) For a touch of extra sweetness. If your mango is perfectly ripe and your granola is already sweetened, you might not need any additional sweetener. Honey adds a floral note, while maple syrup brings a richer, caramel-like flavor. Agave nectar or other liquid sweeteners can also be used.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (Optional): (For garnish) Adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a pop of green color. A few sprigs of fresh mint elevate the presentation and complement the tropical flavors beautifully.
- Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds (Optional): (1-2 tablespoons) For an extra boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Sprinkling chia or flax seeds adds a subtle nutty flavor and enhances the nutritional value of the parfait.
Instructions
This recipe is so easy, it barely qualifies as cooking! It’s more about artfully assembling delicious ingredients to create a beautiful and flavorful dish.
- Prepare the Mango: Begin by peeling the mango. The easiest way to do this is to stand the mango upright and slice down on either side of the large, flat seed. You’ll have two mango “cheeks.” Then, score the flesh of each cheek in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. Invert the cheeks and push the skin outwards to make the diced mango pieces pop up. Use a knife to carefully cut away the diced mango from the skin. Alternatively, you can simply peel the mango with a vegetable peeler and then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the Parfait (Optional but Recommended for Presentation): For a visually appealing parfait, choose glasses or bowls. Start with a layer of yogurt at the bottom. This creates a creamy base.
- Add a Layer of Mango: Spoon a generous layer of diced mango over the yogurt. Distribute it evenly to ensure every bite is bursting with mango flavor.
- Sprinkle with Granola: Top the mango layer with a generous sprinkle of granola. The amount of granola is up to your preference – more for extra crunch, less if you prefer a softer texture.
- Repeat Layers (Optional): If you are using taller glasses or want a more substantial parfait, you can repeat the layers – yogurt, mango, granola – one or two more times. This creates beautiful layers and ensures a good balance of all ingredients in each bite.
- Drizzle with Sweetener (Optional): If desired, drizzle a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup over the top layer of granola. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
- Garnish (Optional but Recommended): For a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds at this stage.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: Yogurt with Mango & Granola is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the granola’s crunch. However, you can also prepare it a little ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to an hour. If chilling for longer, it’s best to layer the yogurt and mango and add the granola just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g