Why put beets in brownies?

Beets are extremely nutritious! They are packed with vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, some of which have medicinal properties. Here are a few fun facts: - Beets contain the compound betaine which helps with liver function. - The phytosterols, or plant sterols, present in beets, are structurally similar to cholesterol and can help to lower LDL cholesterol. - They work as a "blood builder", which can be helpful for people who suffer from anemia and fatigue. - They contain potassium and nitrates, which can help to lower blood pressure

Can I cook the beets myself?

Yes! You do not have to use pre-cooked beets like I did. Instead, you may steam the beets or roast them in the oven if you prefer.

Can these paleo beet brownies be made nut free?

Since these beet brownies are made with almond flour, they are not nut free. BUT, you should be able to swap the almond flour for tigernut flour and get similar results.

Vegan Beet Brownies (Gluten Free, Paleo)

Description

These healthy vegan beet brownies are made with cooked beets and sweetened with dates. They're gluten free, vegan and paleo friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pitted dates (155g)
1 cup chopped cooked beets (170g)*
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup blanched almond flour (50g)
1/4 cup cocoa powder (25g)
1/4 tsp salt
5 oz dark chocolate (65-75%)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8" x 8" glass baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Soften the dates: remove the pits from the dates and place the dates in a small bowl or large cup. Boil water and pour it over the dates, covering them completely. Let the dates sit for 5 minutes.
Drain the water from the dates and place them in a food processor or high powered blender, along with the cooked beets. Blend the mixture, stopping every so often to scrape the sides.
Add in the avocado oil, vanilla, almond flour, cocoa powder and salt. Blend the mixture until smooth, stopping every so often to scrape the sides.
Place the dark chocolate in a small sauce pan and melt on the stove top, over low heat. Once fully melted, combine the chocolate and the rest of the brownie mixture in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a spatula until well combined.
Pour the brownie batter into a the lined baking dish and place in the oven.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
After baking, cool the brownies to room temperature in the baking dish.
Store in fridge up to two weeks.

Notes

*I used pre-cooked beets, but you may steam or roast your own.