Black bean chocolate brownies Photo by Digital Wellness.

Have you got K.D. Lang’s ‘Constant Craving’ in your head? We feel ya! We figured you might be craving chocolate.

Feeling the urge to bake up a storm? You might want to make yourself a little (healthy) chocolate something. Even if you have been eating more chocolate while social distancing!

Here’s some love from us to you in the shape of a brownie. What you need to know is dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and black beans are packed full of protein. You’re welcome. Enjoy!

Black bean and dark chocolate brownies

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 400g tinned black beans, drained and rinsed well
• 80g whole rolled oats
• 60g dark chocolate chips, plus another 30g to top
• 1 jumbo egg
• 3 tbsp light extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup low-fat or high protein milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch sea salt

Method

Preheat a fan forced oven to 180°C.

In a food processor or blender, process the oats into a flour. Place to one side.

Combine the black beans and olive oil in the food processor or blender, and process until it forms a paste. You shouldn’t have any chunks or whole beans left, as this will affect the consistency of the brownie.

Return the oat flour to the food processor, along with the bean paste, baking powder, sea salt, cocoa powder, brown sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Process, slowly pouring the milk in until it forms a batter.

Meanwhile, create a double boiler by placing a glass bowl over a saucepan with a little water in it. Heat over a medium-high flame until the water is boiling. Add 60g dark chocolate to the bowl and stir regularly until it is melted. Once melted, slowly pour the chocolate into the batter and mix through.

Pour into a 20cm x 20cm square baking tray (or similar) lined with baking paper. Top with the remaining 30g of dark chocolate chips.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Leave to cool before slicing into six even portions

Recipe courtesy of CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet