What if I said “Hey do you want a Chocolate Brownies? “YUM”, “YES PLEASE” (of course. Its chocolate!)
Black Bean brownies? (silence)
then, “uhh..”, “yuck”, “ugh”.
Don’t worry. I’m there with you! I mean don’t we all react that way when we hear cauliflower puddings or beet cake? Ok, but don’t runaway just yet! As gross as it may sound, I promise you I’m delivering something fantastic today. Trust me?
I think growing up we are conditioned to think “carrots are disgusting” or “peas are green and slimy”. But believe or not, cooking is all about balance and chemistry and creativity. Yes its really all science. With the right recipe, the right combination of ingredients ANYTHING can taste good.
I remember the first time I was told you could make black beans into brownies. Few years ago, my aunt had brought one our families’ potluck. Food was always spectacular especially dessert. I remember being handed a funny looking cake that was very, very dark in color.
Rather skeptical and disappointed I asked, “What is that?”
“Black bean cake!”
Oh boy. I felt like I wanted to throw up. I had never heard of black bean chocolate cake. There was no way black beans was going to be in my dessert! I looked over at Zoe and the horrified expression on her face was enough to tell me what she thought. It the most bizarre thing I had ever heard. I never ate that cake.
BUT little did I know few years later, rather hypocritically, I would be the one posting a black bean brownies recipe and convincing all of you to make it. Its pretty amazing how much my tastebuds have changed after being on a healthier diet. I absolutely adore my greens and veggies even if it means disguising it in desserts. Since, my sweet tooth won’t allow me to give up on sweet treats, I have been introduced to the world of “healthified dessert”. There are simply a billion ways to enjoy your food! One way is incorporating veggies.
This MY FRIENDS is a moist, fudge, delicious brownie made out of that can of “dreaded” black beans. Black beans actually is pretty magical because it helps create the fudgy texture we all love in brownies. Just imagine a scoop of cold vanilla or coconut ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, sprinkle of nuts! YUM! And don’t you worry! the cocoa powder and chocolate chips really make this a brownie by masking the “beany” flavor that people are afraid of.
And today I just want to say to my Aunt: “I was wrong. You were absolutely right.” Black bean brownies are incredibly delicious and so so good! Guilt free, carb free, grain free…vegan.. What more could you ask for?
- 1 15oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp flaxmeal/ chia seeds
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup GF oat flour (or quick oats)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp applesauce
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (+ more for garnish)
- Optional add ins: (See Note)*
- ⅓ cup walnuts, chopped (+ more for garnish)
- ¼ sweetened coconut (+ more for garnish)
- ¼ cup date caramel
- Flax Eggs: Mix the flax meal and 5 tbsp water in a blender. Set it aside for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Add in all the remaining ingredients and flax eggs except for the walnuts, coconut and chocolate chips. Blend till smooth.
- Add in the chocolate chips (and any desired toppings) and pulse to combine. You want them just mixed in.
- Grease a muffin tin (OR loaf tin) very well. Divide up the batter
- If you are using date caramel, dollop 1 tsp of the caramel onto each brownie and swirl with a knife. Sprinkle on coconut flakes, walnut and dark chocolate chips. Bake for 10-15 (Muffins) OR 20-25 minutes (Loaf pan).
- Remove from the oven and immediately run your knife around each brownie before it cools.
- Once completely cool, lift out brownies and transfer to a plate to fridge. They taste fudgier after being in the fridge overnight
Nut substitutes: chopped pecans, almonds are great substitutes
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