A Valentine’s Day Treat Without the Guilt – Black Bean Brownies

Although I have not yet tried this recipe, it sounds like a winner, and I will bake them soon! Heart-healthy black beans, smothered in just enough cocoa powder to trick tastebuds? I’m in! It seems like once the beans are baked, they become gooey and tasty, especially surrounded by the other tasty brownie ingredients – with many less calories. Can’t wait to try this and see if it competes with a traditional brownie!

Thank you to Amanda Freitag, celebrity chef and recurring judge on Food Network’s competition show “Chopped,” and registered nutritionist Julie Barto for the MS Active Wellness Nutrition Program for providing this healthy snack for those of us counting calories but addicted to chocolate.

Black Bean Brownies: 
Beans provide your body with fiber and protein, and they are low in fat and calories.  If you haven’t found a way to add them to your lunch or dinner meals, why not try adding them for dessert?!
 
Version #1:
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained very well
3 eggs
3 Tbsp canola oil
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed or ¾ cup white granulated sugar
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
Preheat oven to 350⁰.  Spray an 8” x 8” baking pan with cooking spray.

In food processor, process black beans until smooth.  Add the eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, and sugar, and process until smooth.  Add ½ of the chocolate chips, and pulse a few times or stir, so that the chips are mixed in. Transfer the batter to the baking pan, and sprinkle the remaining chips on top of the brownies.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.
 
Version #2:
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained very well
1 brownie mix
Return the rinsed beans to the can, and add enough water to cover the beans.  Transfer beans/water to food processor, and process until smooth.  Transfer the bean puree to a large bowl, and stir in the brownie mix.  Transfer to a pan coated in cooking spray, and follow the directions on the brownie box for baking.  You may need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.