They are one of my favourite desserts, and are best when they are rich and gooey and deliciously fudgy and the best kind of food for fixing the worlds problems.
So it is always nice when I can find a recipe that not only ticks the above boxes, but is actually good for me too. How can that be?
Well thanks to a fabulous blog that transforms all these comfort foods into delicicios healthy treats. A blog that keeps me inspired on the sweets front every single day; Chocolate Covered Katie, is always a source of inspiration when I want to cook something healthy yet sweet and chocolatey.
When I receieved an email from her blog on Friday for Black Bean brownies, I knew I just had to try! These had no flour and no egg, but somehow still maintained that gooey goodness of a brownie. You can check out her recipe here. I have made a couple of amendments, mainly based on what I had in the cupboard, and just a few things I like to throw in.
When I receieved an email from her blog on Friday for Black Bean brownies, I knew I just had to try! These had no flour and no egg, but somehow still maintained that gooey goodness of a brownie. You can check out her recipe here. I have made a couple of amendments, mainly based on what I had in the cupboard, and just a few things I like to throw in.
I also doubled the recipe to make a full tray, and I think this worked better. So go and try them now, you wont regret it!
Oh and you generally cant get Black Beans at the supermarket, but I managed to pick up some organic ones at my local health food store for $2 a tin, and today at a Mediterranean supermarket I found some for 0.75cents a tin, so they are definitely around!
Black Bean Brownies
Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
Line a square or rectangle cake tin with Baking paper
2 cans of Black beans - drained of the liquid and thoroughly washed
1 cup of quick oats
4 tbsp of Cocoa - I used Cacao powder (better for you!)
1/2 cup of rice bran syrup (you can use maple, honey, or another sweet syrup )
2 drops of Stevia (or use 2 tbsp of sugar here)
1/2 tsp of Salt
1/2 tsp of Baking powder
1/2 cup of coconut oil (or Rice bran oil)
3 tsp of Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp of Desiccated Coconut
2 tbsp of Macadamia or other nut butter
1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds
2 tbsp of Cacao Nibs (adds some crunch)
1/2 to 2/3 cup of Dark Chocolate Chips
(Some additions:
- Add 1/2 cup of Slivered almonds/pecans/walnuts for a crunchy difference
- 1/4 cup of cranberries for a fruity flavour
- 1/3 cup of cooked beetroot !)
Add all of these ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. I used a blender as that was all I had and it still turned out lovely. I imagine it would be even better in a food processor. Pour into bowl and add the Chocolate chips and Cacao nibs and then pour into the tin. {Today I had white chocolate chips so I had 1/4 cup of them and 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips- Yum}
Bake in the oven for 18 minute -22 minutes depending on your oven. Keep checking until it is the right consistency for you. Ours was quite fudgy which is the way I like it!
Leave to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into slices.
Cut yourself a big slice, boil the kettle, make a cup of tea and then sit back and enjoy the chocolately goodness! Bliss!!! {And all good for you too!! }
Oh and do yourself a favour and check out Katie's Blog, you wont regret it!
Today I am linking up for FYBF over with the gorgeous Grace over at With some Grace ......
Until next time life is too short for crap coffee
