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Black bean chocolate (or carob) brownies


350 deg. F., 25-30 min

Yield: 12-16 brownies

 

 

1)  Mash until very smooth, in food processor or with a hand blender:

- 1 1/4 cup cooked black beans

   (If beans are from a can, rinse and drain well before mashing.)

Transfer mashed beans to a medium large bowl.

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2)  (Dry ingredients)

In a medium size mixing bowl, evenly combine:

- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

- 1/4 cup unbleached white flour

- 1/3 cup + 2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
or unsweetened carob powder

- 1/2 cup + 2 T. sugar
   If using carob, use 1 to 2 T. less sugar, because carob is naturally sweet.

- 1 tsp. baking powder

- 1/2 tsp. baking soda

(- 1/4 tsp. salt; only use if black beans aren't from a can)

 

Add the dry ingredients to the bowl containing the mashed beans, and combine well with (clean!) hands, or a wooden spoon.

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3)  (Wet ingredients)

In a small mixing bowl, combine:

- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

- 1/4 cup + 2 T. plain yogurt

- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

 

When the oven is heated to the baking temperature, add the wet ingredients to the bean mixture, and combine with a wooden spoon or spatula, until everything is just evenly combined. Don't overmix.

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4)  Gently fold in (don't overmix):

- scant 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

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- Spoon batter into a greased 8" square baking pan or glass baking dish, and spread evenly.

- Bake just until toothpick or knife comes out clean.

- Cool completely on a rack, then cut into squares.