Discover a Unique and Healthy Twist on Traditional Brownies
If you’re searching for a way to add more legumes to your diet and satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further. I recently tried a recipe for black bean brownies inspired by the Blue Zones longevity diets, and the results were surprisingly delicious. Loaded with fiber and protein, these brownies are a guilt-free treat that you’ll want to make again and again.
Healthy Eating Made Delicious
Research consistently shows the incredible health benefits of beans, and they play a crucial role in the diets of people living in Blue Zones, where individuals have the highest rates of longevity. These regions, such as Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, and Italy, embrace beans as a staple food.
I decided to put this theory to the test and try a recipe for black bean chocolate chunk brownies based on the traditional diets of people in these Blue Zones. While they didn’t quite match up to regular brownies, I found them to be a delightful and chocolatey treat. While they won’t replace my go-to brownie recipe for indulgence, they’re a fun and sneaky way to enjoy extra protein and fiber.
Adding Protein and Fiber to Your Diet
You might be wondering why anyone would want to add beans to their dessert. But beans are actually a surprising superfood, according to Dan Buettner, the author who pioneered research on Blue Zones and developed the recipe I tested. Beans are not only affordable and accessible, but they’re also rich in protein and fiber. These nutrients help you feel full, balance blood sugar levels, support healthy digestion, and aid in muscle growth.
While I was initially skeptical about incorporating beans into a sweet treat, this recipe changed my mind. The process is simple, requiring only a food processor.
A Unique and Messy Cooking Experience
I must admit, I encountered a few challenges during the cooking process. With only a small, old blender at my disposal, I had to blend the ingredients in batches, resulting in a messy kitchen. Nevertheless, I found satisfaction in the final texture, as the oats and chocolate chips helped to conceal any remaining traces of the black beans.
Despite my chaotic experience, the aroma of the brownies baking in the oven was delightful and reminiscent of a classic recipe. The end result was a batch of brownies that looked and smelled just like traditional ones, successfully masking the presence of beans.
A Delicious, But Different, Experience
When it came time to taste the brownies, I couldn’t help but be impressed. They were soft, crumbly, and had a gooey texture from the melted chocolate. However, the prominent banana flavor reminded me that these were not your typical brownies. My partner also agreed that while they were tasty, they didn’t quite live up to the indulgence of regular brownies.
Despite this, I personally enjoyed the unique flavor and would happily make these brownies again, even sharing them with friends and family. Plus, these treats are packed with nutrients. Each 1-inch square serving contains around 255 calories, 8 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein. In comparison, a similarly sized brownie made from a boxed mix typically contains around 250 calories, 37 grams of sugar, and minimal amounts of protein and fiber.
Customize the Recipe and Save Money
One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While I followed the original recipe, it’s easy to make substitutions to fit your preferences and budget. For example, if you’re not strictly vegan, you can replace agave syrup with honey, another ingredient associated with longevity in Blue Zones. Ordinary dark chocolate can also be used instead of dairy-free chocolate, allowing you to save on grocery expenses while still reaping the health benefits.
If cost is a concern, you can opt for unsweetened cocoa powder instead of cacao. While almond butter is recommended, peanut butter is an affordable and nutritious alternative. The one ingredient worth splurging on is high-quality vanilla extract, as it adds a distinct flavor to the brownies.
By making these substitutions, you can create a low-cost and easy-to-make recipe using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, such as bananas, oats, and beans.
So go ahead and give this unique and healthy dessert a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the taste and satisfied knowing that you’re indulging in a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious.
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