The next time you’re craving something sweet, make a batch of these rich healthy brownies. These brownies are made with a secret ingredient of protein-dense beans. The date syrup gives it a caramel-like sweetness, if you don’t have date syrup at hand, you can make your own by mixing chopped dates with hot water and blending until smooth. Some people use cocoa for the chocolate flavour but I always like to use cacao for its rich mineral content. Cacao isn’t as sweet as cocoa so you may want to add a few drops of stevia for that extra sweetness, it’s your choice. The coconut flakes give an extra sweetness, but you have the option to leave them out and add more oats. Store these brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Healthy Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
1 can (400g) of black beans, drained & rinsed, or 1 ½ cups of cooked black beans
1 ¼ cups date syrup
½ cup cacao powder
½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free optional)
½ cup fine coconut flakes
1 teaspoon baking powder (gluten-free optional)
50g chopped walnuts
Chopped vegan chocolate & nuts of choice for brownie topping (pistachio is delicious).
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Line an 8 or 9 inch cake pan with parchment paper.
3. Combine the beans, date syrup, and cacao powder in a food processor, and process until smooth.
4. Add oats, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and baking powder, and process until combined.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with nuts of your choice and chocolate pieces
6. Bake for 35 minutes.
7. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into slices or square pieces (8 servings)
Enjoy brownies with healthy banana & strawberry ice-cream