Chickpeas, garbanzo beans, hummus-call ‘em by any name it’s the same bean. It’s a legume that provides you with essential nutrients like iron, folate, phosphorus, protein, and dietary fiber. They’re a great protein replacement for meat or dairy, can be tossed on a salad, and, believe it or not, when ground they can replace flour in baking recipes for nutrient rich desserts.

Kosher status: Raw chickpeas and garbanzo beans are Kosher, as long as there are no additives. Buying canned? Make sure the package has a kosher symbol.

Scrumptious Brownies

Ingredients:

• 1 (14-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 eggs (or 2 chia eggs, see more here)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cacao or cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup coconut sugar, sugar, or honey
• 2 Tablespoons coconut milk (or substitute soymilk/almond milk)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
3. Pour brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 30 min, or until brownies test clean when inserting a fork.
4. Allow brownies to cool at least 20 minutes before cutting and serving.

Recipe adapted from http://www.theroastedroot.net/dark-chocolate-chickpea-brownies/

Note: The bracha for these brownies is Shehakol as they don’t contain any flour.

The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.