Operation Food Search

Black Bean Brownies

By: Carmen Berry, MPH, RD, LD

With the holiday season upon us, you may find yourself indulging in some of your holiday favorites at parties and family functions. It can be difficult to make healthy choices when you are surrounded by endless appetizers and sweet treats. Here are some tips to help you avoid overindulging this year while still enjoying the holiday festivities!

Black Bean Brownies

Delicious, moist, chocolate fudgy brownies… healthy? These brownies made with black beans are a clever way to sneak in some healthy fiber and plant based protein all while providing a delicious dessert! Simply use a blender or food processor to blend the beans into the brownies, I promise you can’t even taste them!

Ingredients:
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
powdered sugar for dusting, optional

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan with spray oil.
2. In a blender or food processor, puree the black beans with the oil, about 2 minutes or until there are no large chunks and it is relatively smooth.
3. Add in the eggs, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla. Melt half of the chocolate chips in the microwave and add to the blender. Process until smooth.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the mixture and pulse until just incorporated (do not over mix!). Stir in the remaining whole chocolate chips.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the surface looks somewhat matte around the edges and a bit shiny in the middle, about 20 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting and removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Estimated nutrition information: (Yield 12) 211 calories, 12 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 18 g sugar

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