Delicious Adzuki Bean Brownies Recipe for Chocolate Lovers
Have you ever craved chocolate so bad, but wished it was a bit healthier? Look no further! These Adzuki Bean Brownies are the guilt-free answer to your chocolate cravings. Not only are they gluten-free and vegan, but they’re also macrobiotic, meaning they follow the principles of balance and healing through food.
These brownies may not look like regular brownies, but trust me when I say they taste just as good, if not better. You might be surprised to know that these little bites of heaven are packed with protein and fiber thanks to the adzuki beans, making them a great snack to fuel your body throughout the day.
Now, you might be wondering what exactly is an adzuki bean? These tiny red beans are commonly used in sweet and savory dishes in Japanese cuisine. They’re a great source of nutrition and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc.
You might be hesitant to try a dessert with beans in it, but let me assure you that these brownies don’t taste like beans at all. Instead, the adzuki beans help create a fudgy texture without being too dense or cakey. Trust me, even non-vegans will be impressed with these brownies.
Get ready to indulge in some guilt-free decadence with these Adzuki Bean Brownies. In the following sections, I will guide you through the ingredients list, recipe how-to, substitutions and variations, serving and pairing suggestions, make-ahead tips, storing and reheating tips, tips for perfect results, FAQ’s ,and conclusion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a dessert lover but want to maintain a healthy diet? Then, these adzuki bean brownies are for you! They are gluten-free, vegan and macrobiotic. With this recipe, you can indulge in a decadent chocolate treat that is both guilt-free and nutritious.
One of the main ingredients in these brownies is adzuki beans, which are packed with fiber and protein. They are an excellent source of iron and antioxidants, helping you stay energized throughout the day. Another key ingredient is unsweetened applesauce, making these brownies naturally sweet and moist without any added refined sugar.
Not only are they healthy, but these brownies are incredibly easy to make as well. With just a handful of ingredients, they take less than 30 minutes to whip up! Plus, they are versatile – you can substitute adzuki beans with black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference.
These adzuki bean brownies are perfect for any occasion – from a midday snack to a dessert after dinner. They are rich in chocolate flavor and have complementing crunchy texture from the walnuts. You won’t even be able to tell that there’s no flour or butter in them!
In short, this recipe is perfect for all dessert lovers who want to stay healthy without sacrificing their sweet tooth. You’ll definitely love these adzuki bean brownies as much as I do!
Ingredient List
Prepare your pantry! You will need the following ingredients:
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2 cups of cooked adzuki beans: This delicious legume is a great source of protein, fiber, iron, and folate. You can cook them from scratch or use canned beans. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well before using.
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1 cup of unsweetened applesauce: A healthy substitute for oil or butter, applesauce adds moisture and sweetness to these brownies.
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½ cup of cocoa powder: The main ingredient of our chocolatey treats. Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich flavor.
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1 cup of raw sugar: We’re adding sweetness but keeping it natural. Raw sugar has a slightly coarser texture than white sugar and also contains some molasses which gives these brownies an extra depth of flavor and color.
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1 tsp of vanilla extract: A classic baking ingredient that adds aroma and taste to any dessert.
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½ tsp of salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
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½ cup of chopped walnuts: These heart-healthy nuts add crunch and nuttiness to the brownies. You can omit or substitute them if you have allergies or preferences.
Note: For a gluten-free version, make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to dive into the fun part of creating these delicious Adzuki Bean Brownies. Follow these easy steps below and prepare your taste buds for a guilt-free dessert adventure.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked adzuki beans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup raw sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a square 8×8 baking dish.
- In a food processor, pulse together the
cooked adzuki beansandunsweetened applesauceuntil smooth. - Add in the
cocoa powder,raw sugar,vanilla extract,salt, andbaking powder. Pulse until well combined. - Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it evenly in the pan.
- Top with chopped
walnuts(optional). - Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean after being inserted into the center of the brownies.
- Once done, let them cool completely before cutting yourself a slice!
Delicious brownies are never too far away if you use this recipe. Serve them up for your family or friends as an irresistible sweet treat that is both vegan and gluten-free. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Substitutions and Variations
As a vegan chef, my goal is to encourage you to experiment and make this Adzuki Bean Brownies recipe your own. That’s why I’m happy to share some delicious substitutions and variations that will allow you to customize this dessert according to your taste.
– Gluten-Free Flour: Feel free to substitute the oat flour in this recipe with any other gluten-free flour of your choice. Some popular options include coconut flour, almond flour, or even a gluten-free baking mix.
– Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t want to use walnuts, you can replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both work well in baked goods and offer a similarly crunchy texture without the allergens.
– Sweeteners: For those who prefer their brownies less sweet, you can always reduce the amount of sugar. You could also try using maple syrup, honey or stevia sweeteners instead of raw sugar mentioned in the recipe.
– Add-ins: I love adding dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries or chopped dates for an extra burst of flavor. You could also experiment with adding coconut flakes, chia seeds or even chocolate chips! The possibilities are endless.
– Spice it Up: Adding spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon can be an excellent way to add depth of flavor and compliment the taste of adzuki beans.
I encourage you to let your creativity flow when exploring these substitutions and variations. Make them fit your dietary needs, personal preferences and food mood. Let’s make more plant-based bean desserts together!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these Adzuki Bean Brownies, you can never go wrong with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or some crunchy walnuts on top. These toppings will add an extra layer of flavor and texture that perfectly complements the fudgy consistency of the brownies.
If you’re serving these brownies as a dessert after a meal, they work well with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The bitterness of the cocoa powder in the brownies pairs wonderfully with a mild herbal tea or a robust espresso.
For those who are feeling more adventurous, try serving the brownies alongside some homemade adzuki bean ice cream. The combination of the rich chocolate flavor from the brownies and the earthy sweetness of the adzuki beans in the ice cream is truly something special.
Overall, this recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks. Feel free to get creative and experiment until you find your perfect combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
For busy individuals, making meals ahead of time can be a lifesaver. Luckily, these adzuki bean brownies can be made up to two days before serving and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, you can store them in the fridge for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating, simply remove the desired amount of brownies from the fridge or freezer and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer your brownies warm, gently heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Resist the temptation to overcook them, as they will dry out and lose their fudgy texture.
Pro tip: If storing the brownies in the freezer, slice them into portion sizes before freezing so you can easily take out and reheat individual servings as needed.
These versatile and tasty adzuki bean brownies are perfect for meal prepping or as an indulgent treat any day of the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
As helpful as a recipe can be, there are still some tricks and tips that can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results when making these delicious adzuki bean brownies.
First, make sure to blend the adzuki beans very well in a food processor or blender until completely smooth. This will help create a smoother consistency in the brownies and avoid any unpleasant chunks. Blending the beans for longer also helps in binding the mixture together, resulting in a more cohesive texture for your brownies.
Additionally, opt for the best quality cocoa powder you can find. This recipe only calls for a quarter cup, but using high-quality cocoa powder can make all the difference in flavor. I recommend using unsweetened, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which is darker, richer and has a milder taste than natural cocoa powder.
Another key tip is to not overbake the brownies. These adzuki bean brownies cook faster than traditional brownies and since different ovens vary in temperature, it would be best to check on them 10 minutes before the timer goes off. They should still feel slightly soft when taken out of the oven because they’ll set as they cool down.
Feel free to add some additional mix-ins too! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips would be a great addition to this recipe if you’re looking for extra crunchiness or indulgence.
Lastly, don’t forget to let your brownies cool completely before slicing them into squares. It may be tempting to dig right into that warm gooey goodness but allowing them to cool allows their texture and flavor to develop fully.
By following these tips for perfect results, your adzuki bean brownies will turn out perfectly moist and delicious every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these adzuki bean brownies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. As a vegan chef, I highly recommend trying out this recipe not just because it’s gluten-free, vegan and macrobiotic, but because it also offers endless possibilities for substitutions and variations. Whether you love nuts or not, you can still make this recipe your own by tweaking the ingredients to suit your tastes.
And let’s not forget the fact that these brownies are guilt-free! Whether you’re trying to stick to a vegan diet or looking for gluten-free alternatives, these brownies will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on taste. And if you’re worried about storing them or reheating them, fear not—we’ve got you covered with our handy tips and tricks.
So why not try something new today? These adzuki bean brownies are the perfect addition to any meal or as a dessert on their own. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead and indulge in these delectable treats—you won’t be disappointed!
Adzuki Bean Brownies (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Macrobiotic) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup adzuki beans, washed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar crystals or 1/2 cup other raw sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- oil, for the pan
- powdered sugar, for dusting (option)
Instructions
- Soak adzuki beans for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Drain water and replace with fresh water. Place on stove and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and drain water.
- Add water that is 3 times the amount of beans. Heat and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat, place a lid, slightly tilted, and cook until beans are tender for about 45 – 60 minutes. If you have a pressure cooker, cook for 10 – 12 minutes under pressure. Drain water through a colander.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C degrees.
- In a small bowl, place chia seeds and 6 Tbsp of water. Leave it for at least 15 minutes. This chia seed gel can be used in place of eggs (1 egg = 1 Tbsp chia seeds + 3 Tbsp water).
- In a food processor, place the adzuki beans, chia seed gel, sugar, cocoa powder, apple sauce, vanilla and salt and mix well.
- Transfer the brownie mixture to a bowl. Mix in walnuts.
- Transfer to an oiled 8-inch square pan and bake for 45 minutes. Cool the brownies.
- Dust powdered sugar on top and slice. Infuse love and serve!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.