Healthy Brownies

Healthy Brownies

Want to make healthy brownies? The key is to use black beans and cocoa powder.
There is no flour in this vegan recipe.

The next time you’re craving rich, chewy, densely chocolaty goodness, make a batch of these black bean brownies from Forks Over Knives.

Cooked black beans make for healthy brownies, while also keeping them lusciously moist, while date syrup (also called date molasses) lends a caramel-like sweetness.

Ingredients (makes 8 brownies)

• 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
• 1 cup pure date syrup
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Unsalted pistachio nuts, finely chopped (optional)
• Vegan semisweet chocolate pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper (or use a silicone cake pan).

2. Combine the beans, date syrup, and cocoa powder in a food processor; process just until smooth. Add the oats, baking powder, and baking soda; process just until combined.

3. Spread batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with pistachios and chocolate pieces (if using). Bake for 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into wedges.

Tips

• If you can’t find date syrup at the store, you can make your own by simmering equal amounts of chopped dates and water in a saucepan for 30 minutes.

• Allow the mixture to cool before puréeing until smooth.

• The syrup can be strained through cheesecloth for more of a syrupy consistency, if desired.

• Store these healthy brownies in an airtight container for up to three days.