Black Bean Brownies

Don't be alarmed! I don't think these are especially healthful.  And they don't taste like beans.  

They are, however, fudgy, rich, and delicious!  Perhaps too fudgy?

Definitely not a finger food, unless they get really cold.  They did get the seal of approval from picky girl child.  At least they have a little extra fiber to offer. 

  

Found the recipe at a blog called 101 Cookbooks.  Here it is for you:

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4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups soft-cooked black beans, drained well   (canned is fine)

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

¼ cup (granulated) natural coffee substitute (or instant coffee, for gluten-sensitive)

¼ teaspoon sea salt

4 large eggs

1½ cups light agave nectar 

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 11- by 18-inch (rimmed) baking pan ( or jellyroll pan) with parchment paper and lightly oil with canola oil spray.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a glass bowl in the microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on high. Stir with a spoon to melt the chocolate completely. Place the beans, 1/2 cup of the walnuts, the vanilla extract, and a couple of spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl of a food processor. Blend about 2 minutes, or until smooth. The batter should be thick and the beans smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts, remaining melted chocolate mixture, coffee substitute, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

In a separate bowl, with an electric mixer beat the eggs until light and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the agave nectar and beat well. Set aside.

Add the bean/chocolate mixture to the coffee/chocolate mixture. Stir until blended well.

Add the egg mixture, reserving about 1/2 cup. Mix well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1/2 cup egg mixture until light and fluffy. Drizzle over the brownie batter. Use a wooden toothpick to pull the egg mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the brownies are set. Let cool in the pan completely before cutting into squares. (They will be soft until refrigerated.)

Makes 45 (2-inch) brownies.