Since the fear of ultra-processed foods became mainstream, many of us have gone off cereals. Once the cornerstone of any breakfast, we’ve turned our backs on muesli, bran flakes and granola. And that’s a real shame, because cereal mixes can be incredible sources of fibre, vitamins and protein – if you make them yourself. 

This stove-top tahini granola is the invention of gut expert Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, whose new book is all about creating quick meals with added microbiome benefits. It’s got nearly 10g of fibre and five plants, to say nothing of the anti-inflammatory chai spices. 

Gut-boosting properties aside, you’ve got slow-release energy from the oats and protein from creamy tahini. Walnuts offer a big dose of brain-healthy omega-3, pecans and hazelnuts help to reduce bad cholesterol and almonds are packed with antioxidant vitamin E. 

Sprinkle over a smoothie or serve with a dollop of live yoghurt on top. Dr Ahmed recommends making this the night before, storing it in an airtight jar and enjoying it the following morning. 

• 200g (2 cups) jumbo oats
• 1 heaped tbsp tahini
• 2 generous tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 50g (½ cup) pecans
• 50g (½ cup) almonds
• 50g (½ cup) walnuts
• 50g (½ cup) hazelnuts 

1. Mix the oats, tahini, olive oil, maple syrup and spices together in a bowl.

2. Place a large, wide non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the oats to the pan and toast for about 5 minutes, or until the oats start to turn a light golden colour. Keep stirring so that the mixture does not catch.

3. Roughly chop the nuts and drop them into the frying pan with the toasted, spiced oats. The nuts need just a minute or two more cooking.

4. Take the pan off the heat and empty the granola on to a tray lined with baking paper. This will allow the granola to cool quickly and remain crunchy. 

The 20-Minute Gut Health Fix by Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed is published in hardback by Yellow Kite on 27 February

Images: Steven Joyce