Food Fact Friday:Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Yes, you read it right, black bean brownies.  Undeniably odd sounding, but unbelievably moist N fudgy, with not a hint of "beany-ness" about them.  My Middle sister  first introduced me to them after finding them from an out-of-the-way source ( see end of post).  She made them and told me that they were "special" and that I should "guess" what the ingredient was.  I am known as the Food Sleuth at my house so I was more than happy to conduct what I hoped would be a successful investigation.  It was a Food Sleuth Fail.  All of my guesses proved to be wrong.  I finally gave up and was astonished to hear the answer of "black beans." 
I had heard of kidney bean, chickpea, and black bean flour (indeed we had used some ot those in our food science classes while trying to create a palatable gluten-free chocolate cake) but canned black beans? Really?

since te initial tasting I have made this recipe for numerous people (classmates, family and in-laws) and all agree that they are superb.  (note:  the only person who was not so keen on them was an individual who does not like fudgy brownies to begin with).   For those of you who are interested. these are gluten-free!

Below is the official recipe with the original pre-recipe comments.  I would encourage you to give it a shot an you just may find yourself surprised!  Enjoy!


Who knew black beans and brownies could go together? Apparently, Shane Diet & Fitness Resorts’ Culinary Nutritionist Julie Harrington did.

“I like creating food that people are used to but just with a healthier twist,” she says. “At Shane Diet & Fitness Resorts we have brownies on the menu! Eat brownies and still lose weight? Yup! It’s all about balance, whole foods, and variety.” Harrington adds that she likes to keep the black beans a little secret at first. “Offer these treats just as fudgy brownies because that’s what they taste like! It’s a great way to sneak in healthy black beans, plus gives it a little protein boost.”

With only 15 minutes of prep time, and 35 minutes in the oven, you can’t go wrong with this simple yet innovative recipe.

Shane Diet & Fitness Resorts: Black Bean Brownies (Serves 20)

Prep time: 15 min.; Cook time: 35 min.


Ingredients:

1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 tbsp canola oil
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Coarse salt, a pinch
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8×8 pan with cooking spray.

2. In food processor, process black beans until smooth. Add the eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, vanilla extract, and sugar; process until smooth. Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips and pulse a few times to fully mix. Transfer the batter to the pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top of the batter.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.

Nutrition information per serving (1 brownie): 150 calories
4.7 g fat
22.7 g carbohydrates
4.1 g dietary fiber
6 g protein

Source: http://clubspa.spafinder.com/wellness-week-recipe-7-black-bean-brownies/