But along with those desirable qualities comes the not so desirable empty calories, refined sugars, high fat content and a lack of vitamins and/or minerals. Basically, a traditional brownie is nothing but a guilty pleasure to satisfy the sweet tooth as it offers little to no nutritional value.

So, it became my mission to test the waters and see if I could come up with an easy and quick recipe. One where I could add as many healthy ingredients as possible, while still offering a delicious chocolate taste!

Keep in mind that these brownies are not your traditional brownies that you’re probably used to. They don’t require any baking and there’s a single ingredient that you wouldn’t find in store bought brownies  … black beans! Black beans offers this dessert the bulk and moisture content that it needs, while offering the health benefits such as high levels of fibre, protein, folate, magnesium and zinc. Black beans are also naturally low in fat and are cholesterol free. 

Can you imagine such a dessert being so healthy?!

Along side the beans, I also used (and encourage you too) CACAO rather than COCOA. Cacao has a more bitter taste I find, but its health properties just can’t be beat. Cacao is considered a ‘superfood’, less processed and is high in antioxidants.

Below is the recipe for these raw black bean brownies, give it a try (I dare you!), I can guarantee that you won’t taste the beans! Feel free to adjust the measurement of the maple syrup to suit your pallet.

• 1 cup of raw walnuts
• 3/4 cup of black beans (canned), rinsed
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup
• 1/2 cup of almond butter
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cacao powder

In a food processor, grind the walnuts and black beans until well combined, ensuring that the beans have all been mashed.

Add the maple syrup, almond butter and cacao powder to the bean and walnut mixture and process until well combined. You’ll notice after a minute or two that the mixture will roll and form itself into a ‘doughy’ ball.

Transfer the mixture into a square pan (be sure to line the pan first with parchment paper!) and with your finger tips, gently press the brownie mixture into the pan, making sure it is evenly spread out.

At this point you can either add a topping such as crushed walnuts or whole pecans or you can keep it as is. If you choose to add a nut topping, be sure to gently press it into the top of the brownie.

Cover and put your brownies in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Enjoy!