You’ll never guess what I made

with a can of black beans and a ripe avocado.  Seriously, I still can’t believe it!

I made brownies!!!  For real!  And not just any brownies, but gooey, good fudgy brownies.  With these ingredients:

I had seen some recipes for this online, and thought “no way!”  Finally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I had to give it a try.  Before I give you my version of the recipe, a few comments…

I used my Vitamix to mix up the batter, which was very stiff.  I don’t have a food processor, but that would probably work also.  Or a stand mixer (I use a Kitchenaid.)  I don’t think a regular hand mixer or blender would cut it.

The beans HAVE to be reduced or low sodium.  You do not want salty brownies!  And organic canned beans are not hard to find at better grocery stores.  But I was at Target when I became inspired to make these, so I grabbed what they had.  (It’s kind of scary how much time I spend at Target.) Next time (and believe me, there will be a next time!) I’ll make sure to have organic beans on hand.

Speaking of beans, I am not a big bean eater.  Maybe I ate too many during my vegetarian days!  But beans are going to be a much healthier ingredient for your brownies than white flour!  They will add fiber and protein, along with some vitamins and minerals.

Another note…these still contain a fair amount of sugar.  I just used regular organic cane sugar.  I have seen recipes where coconut sugar is used instead, which has a lower glycemic index.  I also used Hershey’s cocoa powder.  If you have raw, organic cacao powder, that would be great too.  Either way, remember they are a treat…don’t go crazy!

Ok, here you go!

Black Bean Brownies

1 large egg

1  15 ounce can reduced sodium black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 of a large ripe avocado

3/4 cup sugar (I used organic)

2/3 of a cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s)

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. coconut oil (I didn’t measure…just threw in a small blob of it!)  plus a little more to grease the pan

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease an 8×8 inch square baking dish with coconut oil.

Put the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) into your Vitamix or other high powered blender in the order specified.  Blend, starting at low speed and quickly going up to high.  You will need to use the tamper to help the mixture blend well.  You don’t want to find whole beans in your brownies…gross!

When it is thoroughly blended, use a spatula to scrape the mixture into your greased pan.  The mixture will be very thick.  Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top.  Bake for 25 minutes.

The brownies will be very gooey when you take them out of the oven.  Let them cool before cutting.  Enjoy!

I’m not a calorie counter, so don’t know how these compare to regular brownies.  There might not be much of a difference.  But instead of empty calories, you are getting real, nutrient dense food.

So, how does eating a brownie help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  Well, for me, chocolate = happy.  And they are pretty healthy, since you are getting protein and fiber from the beans, and good fat from the avocado. as well as magnesium and antioxidants from the cocoa.  The protein is supporting healthy muscle tone, and the good fats are awesome for your skin and hair, so you’ll be hot too!

Let me know if you try these!