Lentil Brownies
Fudgy Lentil Brownies. High Protein Brownies that dont taste beany! Just process and bake. Use chickpeas for variation. Vegan Gluten-free Recipe. Can be Nut-free
Fudgy Lentil Brownies. High Protein Brownies that dont taste beany! Just process and bake. Use chickpeas for variation. Vegan Gluten-free Recipe. Can be Nut-free
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1/2 cup vegan semi sweet chocolate chips (( or a mix of s
- 4 tbsp raw sugar ((1 tbsp more for sweeter))
- 1/3 cup nut butter ((i like cashew butter) use sunflower seed butter, use a bit more for crispier brownies)
- 1/4 cup flour of choice (white, oat or glutenfree blend f
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips to top and mix in.
- Carbohydrate 10.0238083594218 g
- Cholesterol 0.204166666252445 mg
- Fat 20.4476984784945 g
- Fiber 4.27110416666667 g
- Protein 3.7818766663239 g
- Saturated Fat 2.67257964067977 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (42g)
- Sodium 6.44188801003283 mg
- Sugar 5.75270419275513 g
- Trans Fat 1.0022437103003 g
- Calories 238 calories
Step-by-step
- Line a brownie pan with parchment paper (I use 8 by 8 inch).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F/180ºc. (9 by 5 loaf pan also works.)
- Rinse the red lentils. Drain and add to a saucepan.
- Add 1.5 cups of water and cook over medium heat.
- Cook for 12 to 13 minutes or until the lentils are cooked (total time including coming to a boil).
- Stir once in between.
- Cool for a few minutes, then drain any excess water from the saucepan (there should be hardly any) and add the lentils to a food processor.
- Process until somewhat smooth. (Or use a cup of cooked chickpeas instead)
- Heat maple syrup and oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- When hot, add chocolate and sugar and mix.
- Take off heat.
- Continue to mix until chocolate is melted and well combined.
- Add the melted chocolate and the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until a smooth batter.
- Add 1 tbsp Cocoa powder for darker brownies (depends on the chocolate used).
- Add spices such as cinnamon, or fold in chopped walnuts for variation.
- Pour into prepared brownie pan.
- Sprinkle 2 tbsp chocolate chips on top and mix them in.
- Sprinkle more to top. (I like to use mini chocolate chips to top).
- Bake for 34 to 36 minutes.
- Bake them a bit longer for more set and crispier edges.
- Check with a toothpick from the center if too soft/wet.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days, freeze for later.
- The brownie texture improves after refrigeration for a bit.
The Unexpected Delight of Lentil Brownies
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury. But when I stumbled across this recipe for lentil brownies, my skepticism quickly melted away – literally. The idea of incorporating lentils into brownies sounded, well, unusual. However, the promise of a fudgy, high-protein treat that didn't taste "beany" was too tempting to resist. And let me tell you, these brownies defied all expectations. They were surprisingly delicious!
The initial process was straightforward. Preparing the lentils was simple, requiring only a quick rinse and a short cooking time. Then, it was just a matter of blending everything together in my trusty food processor. The recipe was remarkably flexible, allowing for substitutions and additions based on my preferences and what I had on hand. I opted for cashew butter, giving the brownies a subtle nutty flavor that complemented the rich chocolate perfectly. The whole process took less than an hour, including baking time – a significant win for someone who values efficiency.
What truly amazed me was the texture. The brownies were unbelievably fudgy and moist. The lentils added a delightful depth and richness, without the slightest hint of a lentil aftertaste. The subtle sweetness of the maple syrup balanced the bitterness of the chocolate beautifully. My kids, who are typically picky eaters, devoured these brownies. They asked for more! It became an instant family favorite.
These brownies are incredibly versatile. I've experimented with different types of chocolate, adding cinnamon for a warm spice note, and even incorporating chopped walnuts for added crunch. The possibilities are truly endless. They're also incredibly convenient to make ahead of time. They keep well in the refrigerator for several days and freeze beautifully. This means I can always have a quick, healthy, and delicious dessert on hand, even when I'm short on time.
The best part? These brownies are packed with protein and fiber, making them a guilt-free indulgence. They're also vegan and gluten-free, satisfying a wide range of dietary needs. For anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dessert, these lentil brownies are a must-try. They're not just a recipe; they're a delightful surprise that will redefine your perception of brownies. This recipe has transformed my approach to baking. I’m now experimenting with other healthy alternatives, and these lentil brownies are the perfect example of how nutritious can also be delicious.
Beyond their deliciousness and convenience, these lentil brownies have become a symbol of my ability to balance work, motherhood, and my desire for healthier eating habits. They're a testament to the fact that nutritious and tasty desserts can indeed co-exist – a sweet ending to a busy day.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Balance
The simple act of making these brownies has become more than just a baking experience; it's a microcosm of my life. Just like the careful blending of ingredients in the food processor, my life requires a careful balance of work, family, and personal well-being. Each element contributes to the final product, and just as one ingredient can throw off the whole recipe, neglecting any one aspect of my life can create imbalance. The brownies represent that perfect blend – a delicious result from careful attention to each detail.
The versatility of this recipe mirrors my own adaptability. Sometimes life throws in unexpected challenges, just like the need to substitute an ingredient. But just as I can adjust the recipe based on what's available, I can adapt to the changing demands of my life. The unexpected success of these brownies – a result of a willingness to experiment and embrace the unconventional – serves as a constant reminder of my own capacity for resilience and creativity.
Making these brownies also encourages mindfulness. The process itself, from the simple act of rinsing the lentils to the careful mixing of ingredients, allows for a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. It's a reminder to appreciate the smaller details and find joy in the simple things – a moment of mindful indulgence, both in the making and the eating. This quiet time also allows me to reflect on my day and plan for the next one. It’s a kind of mini meditation that I've discovered quite unexpectedly.
Ultimately, these lentil brownies represent more than just a dessert. They symbolize the balance, adaptation, and mindfulness that I strive for in my daily life. They’re a reminder that even amidst a busy schedule, there’s always time for a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of self-care, and a whole lot of deliciousness.
