Healthy Brownie Recipe

The weekend is almost here and I am sure you are thinking about something to indulge in.  Or is that only me??  Here is a great recipe that is packed with protein and fiber and powerful enough to steer you clear of the destructive desserts.

Some of you may shudder at the thought of beans and brownies together in the same dessert, but I assure you it tastes much better than it sounds.  If you are currently on a high sugar diet, this will take a bit of getting used to because they are not full of sugar.

I keep these around frequently and they keep me away from my daughters candy jar and sugar binges.

Black Bean Brownies - BodyNista's Version
1.5 cups black beans or 1 can 15oz can drained
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup oats
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 coconut or vegetable oil - I have used both - no preference
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 of shaved or crushed chocolate. I avoid chocolate chips in whole form because it is easy to pile on the sugar...
1 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
2 tbsp Nutella (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients except shaved chocolate and shredded coconut in a food processor and blend until smooth.  A good blender will work too - you just want a smooth batter.  Fold in chocolate shavings and shredded coconut - do not blend these in.  If you batter is looking somewhat thick and not blending well,  add a bit of water.  Pour into a greased baking dish can cook for 30 minutes. Check every 15 minutes.  

I like to top my brownies with 2 tbsp of Nutella right out of oven.  The warmth melts the Nutella and helps a small amount spread easily overall the brownies.  This adds a wonderful hit of sweetness.

That is all there is to it!  Are you going to give it a try?

BodyNista