Black Bean and Zucchini Brownies with Raw Nutella

Okay, I’ll admit it straight away: these black bean and zucchini brownies do not necessary sound like a great idea. They are free from sugar, dairy and grains and are basically made from vegetables, legumes and dried fruit. I can hear you thinking right now: why would you do that? Why would you ruin a good old, traditional brownie? JUST WHY?!

The black-bean-brownie-hype has been going strong for a couple of years now and I was really skeptical at first. Beans belong in the chili, brownies belong in my mouth. Why would you combine these two worlds? It didn’t make sense. However, after my first bite out of a black bean brownie, I was converted for life. It tastes similar to a traditional brownie, and it’s healthy! Yay!

My own brownie recipe is probably as healthy as it gets, unless you want to end up with a salad instead of a brownie. Pinky-promise: it doesn’t take away any from the flavor! These brownies are soft from the zucchini and have a very intense chocolate flavor. The dates give these brownies a distinctive flavor that’s not for everyone – but I’m hooked, and so are my friends. Top your brownies off with some raw Nutella and you sure will be loved by your whole household! The best thing of it all is that you don’t have to stop eating. Just eat the whole batch; you’ll immediately fulfill your fruit and vegetable intake for the day! 

Black Bean and Zucchini Brownies with Raw Nutella
Serves 8
10 minutes + 30 minutes cooking time
Immersion blender, oven, baking tin 

Ingredients
250 grams of canned black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
250 grams of dates, without pits and soaked for at least an hour
1 cup raw zucchini, grated
2 eggs
3/4 cup of cacao powder
1/2 cup of melted coconut oil
2 tbs baking powder 
pinch of salt
1 cup dark chocolate and nuts, finely chopped (optional)

Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees Celsius)
2. Mix the black beans, dates, eggs and coconut oil with a (immersion) blender.
3. Add the remaining ingredients: the zucchini, cacao powder, baking powder, salt and the (optional) dark chocolate and/or nuts. 
4. Grease or line your baking tin and pour in your mixture. Place in the middle of the oven. 
5. Bake the brownie for at least thirty minutes. Let it cool down in the oven for about twenty minutes. Top with raw Nutella and grated coconut. Serve with fresh fruits. 

Raw Nutella
I made mine with hazelnuts, raisins, raw cacao powder, coconut sugar and coconut milk. You can also use this recipe. 

Enjoy!