I have been working on getting these brownies right for a while now. Some were too dry, some too moist, others too bitter. This one is just right. The brownies are sweet enough, with a hint of spice and the perfect amount of moisture. Hooray!
Cardamom is a more exotic spice than you might think to use in a brownie recipe, but I think it rounds out the flavor perfectly. If you don’t have any in your cupboard, or you are not a fan, you can skip it.
The spinach does double duty in this recipe. It adds a level of nutrition and also makes these brownies extra moist. Who knew spinach could do that?
Perfect Gluten-Free Spinach Brownies
makes @16 brownies
Serve with Almond Milk
Ingredients:
- raw cacao powder - 5 tablespoons
Raw Cacao is rich in cell-protecting anti-oxidants, as well as containing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. This wonderful bean not only makes everything taste good, it makes us feel good too.
- sesame oil - 1/2 cup
- maple syrup - 1 1/2 cups
- almond meal - 1/2 cup
- steamed spinach - 1 cup (@3-4 cups raw)
- sorghum flour - 1/4 cup
- cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
- cardamom - 1/4 teaspoon
- salt - 1 teaspoon-himalaya or sea salt
- eggs - 2 lightly beaten
- vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon
- walnuts - crushed, 1/2 cup
This heart healthy nut has a high amount omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. They are also one of the best plant sources of protein.
- dark chocolate chips - 1/2 cup dairy and gluten-free chips from Enjoy Life
Dark chocolate is rich in cell-protecting anti-oxidants, as well as containing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. This wonderful bean not only makes everything taste good, it makes us feel good too.
- baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Line an 9x12-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Steam the spinach until wilted (about 2 minutes).
In a mixing bowl whisk together the raw cacao, almond meal, sorghum flour, salt, cinnamon, cardamom and baking soda.
Put the maple syrup and the spinach in a blender and blend until pureed.
Make a well in the center of the mixing bowl and add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, sesame oil and maple syrup-spinach mixture. Beat on low-medium for two minutes, until the batter begins to come together. At first it will seem thin but keep beating until it thickens and becomes smooth and glossy. It might seem a little soupy to you but that is ok. It will come together in the oven.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
If you are adding nuts, stir in the nuts by hand. Even out the batter with a silicone spatula.
Stud the top with some dark chocolate chips and press in slightly.
Bake in the center of a preheated 350ºF oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the brownies are set. The top will crack, like a flourless chocolate cake. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack.
Dig in!!
