Are you a sweet tooth but trying to be good? You can't go wrong with a delicious chocolate brownie especially when they are a healthier option too!
This recipe was a total experiment but they came out pretty darn delicious! I was madly craving something oh so bad (we are currently doing a quite strict diet) but didn’t want to have something too bad. I had some quinoa puffs, quinoa flakes and goji berries that I wanted to use.... the outcome were like soft, gooey chocolate brownies but a super healthier version. Lucky I jotted down what I threw in so I can make them again and of course share with you!
All the family enjoyed devouring them warm out of the oven. That is one factor I like to keep in mind whenever cooking...will this suit my whole family? If it does it’s such a bonus (saves time making 3 different meals to suit each eating life stages/preferences). As these chocolate brownies are dairy free, and refined sugar free I was happy to give these to my 11 month old and 3 & ½ year old (loves anything chocolate!...like his mum). And my husband and I are generally low to no gluten and dairy too so this recipe ticked all our boxes.
Try this quick and delicious recipe when you have your next sweet baked goods craving. You’ll have the great warm feeling of satisfaction and happiness that normal brownies give without the guilt afterwards.
Why I added GOJI BERRIES? Goji berries are amazing little berries. They are one of the SUPER FOODS. Goji berries are high in antioxidants (vitamin A and C) that reduces inflammation through fighting free radical damage (that can cause heart disease, cancer and other diseases). They help build immunity, improves digestion, increases energy levels and boosts mood. It also helps reduce blood glucose and controls cholesterol, which prevents heart disease. It promotes healthy skin due to the beta-carotene. Helps protect eyes from age related diseases such as macular degeneration.
There's so many beneficial reasons to add some Goji berries into your diet! And this recipe is one delicious way to do so...
CHOCOLATE BROWNIES RECIPE (Using Quinoa & Goji Berries)
- Dairy free - Gluten free - Vegan - Refined sugar free -
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/4 cup Dried Goji berries (soaked*)
- 1 cup pitted dates (soaked*)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (soaked*)
- 1 cup puffed quinoa
- 1/3 cup quinoa flakes
- 3tbsp cacao
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- Pinch Himalayan salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Icing:
- 4 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp cacao
- 1 tsp Monkfruit sweetner (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pre-heat oven to 175°C. Prepare slice tin by lining it with baking paper.
- *Soaked: Soak Goji berries, dates & chia seeds in water so they absorb they liquid to become softer and plumper. This helps create wet ingredients from dry ingredients. Place these ingredients in separate mugs/bowls and pour in boiled water to just cover them so they 'soak up the water to soften. For the chia seeds add a about double the amount of water as they love to soak up to get super gluggy (like glue) which is what you want. Set aside the soaking ingredients while you combine dry ingredients.
- In a large bowl combine the puffed quinoa, quinoa flakes, cacao and Himalayan salt. Mix well until combined.
- Once the soaking ingredients look and feel soft drain the remaining liquid (if any) and pour into a food processor. Add the vanilla and the coconut oil. Blend until well combined and formed into a wet paste consistency.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture out into the baking paper lined slice tin. Using spoon (or fingers) spread out and flatten mixture to be approx. 2cm thick.
- Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes (10-12 minutes if you want it super gooey).
- While baking make the icing (optional): Mix all icing ingredients together in small bowl.
- Once brownies are cooked take out of oven and cool slightly then drizzle icing over the top.
- Cut into square pieces. Best eaten while still warm from the oven.
Enjoy!!
Hope you liked reading this post and making (and devouring) these brownies!
Emily Couper
Leave a comment