Low in sugar and high in whole foods, these beet and black bean brownies make a wonderful treat that won't leave you with a blood sugar crash later. Nourishing, delicious and so darn healthy!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup whole oats (gluten-free if needed)
¼ cup flaxseed
6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup almond milk
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
1 egg
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup cooked beets
½ cup honey
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ cup chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips) - I used a mint chocolate bar which added a fresh and delicious taste to the brownies but any chocolate would work. Why not play around and try some others like salted chocolate or one with toffee or caramel pieces!
1 chocolate bar, coarsely chopped (or ⅓ cup chocolate chips)
Adapted from Author: Kaylee Pauley
INSTRUCTIONS
The medicine on your plate
Beets - Beets and root vegetables in general strengthen both our blood and Qi (think vitality and root energy). They tend to be easy for people to digest and have a slightly warming property to them which makes them ideal for the fall and winter season. They are also good at moving the "Liver Qi" according to TCM which basically means, if you're feeling stressed and a bit frazzled, beets are a great food to add in to both nourish and soothe your harried state!
Black Beans - Beans in general are essentially sweet which makes them great to rebuild energy and a staple for those operating in energetic overdraft. They are a concentrated food source which makes them wonderful to help rebuild blood and Yin in the body. Beans have been shown to be very helpful in regulating blood sugar if consumed regularly. Black beans are particularly good at nourishing the Kidney system which is most active in the winter time and considered our root or deepest energy in TCM. Nourishing the kidneys is key to longevity and sustaining vibrant health throughout life.
Oats are sweet in flavour and warm in temperature according to TCM food theory. They are wonderful to nourish that digestive system Qi as well as nourish the heart system and support the nervous system. Long term use of oats can help keep dampness and cold out of the joints and ideal for anyone who is deficient or rundown. Those who have gluten sensitivities can try dry roasting them first and for those who are prone to phlegmy coughs should avoid eating oats with other phlegm producing foods such as dairy products or sugars