What’s not to love about rich, chocolaty brownies? This delicious recipe uses a surprising ingredient — black beans — for added moisture and fiber. Prepare this guilt-free dessert and have a fun, spooktacular Halloween!

Black Bean Brownies (Phase 1)

Description
This healthy twist on a classic brownie recipe was suggested by a devoted fan of the South Beach Diet. It substitutes fiber-rich black beans and heart-healthy olive oil for the usual butter. When Dr. Arthur Agatston, creator of the South Beach Diet and a known chocolate lover, sampled the brownies, he was pleased by how moist and delicious they were and was delighted to learn that beans were the “secret ingredient.” You can serve the brownies warm from the pan or at room temperature.

Makes 36 (3 per serving)

Hands-on time: 5 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granular sugar substitute
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably dark
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
36 small pecan halves or walnut pieces (about 1.5 ounces)

Instructions
Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray.

In a blender or food processor, combine the beans, eggs, oil, vanilla, sugar substitute, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Process until smooth.

Scrape the batter into the pan and arrange the nuts in even rows, 6 across and 6 down. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cut into 36 squares with a nut piece in the center of each.

Nutritional information
Per brownie
34 calories
2 g fat (0.4 g sat)
2 g carbohydrate
1 g protein
1 g fiber
66 mg sodium