It’s hard to believe but these brownies are made with black beans and a little bit of oatmeal, no flour. They sound like they’d be awful, but they are actually very tasty. I used maple syrup as the sweetener. They came out very fudgy and rich. You just throw all the ingredients in a food processor or strong blender and then pour the batter into a pan after mixing in the chocolate chips. I baked it until the knife came out clean. If you didn’t tell someone they were made from black beans, they would never know. They really are a healthy and delicious chocolate treat and the recipe is fast and easy. A definite win-win on these brownies for those who want to stay away from gluten and dairy but don’t want to sacrifice taste. Try them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Yield 9 – 12 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder 
• 1/2 cup quick oats 
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
• 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil 
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 F.
• Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.
• Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan.
• Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. 
• Cook the black bean brownies for 25 minutes, then let them cool for at least 10 minutes before trying to cut.
• Makes 9-12 brownies.