Beetroot Chocolate Brownies

This has got to be one of my most tried and tested recipes and they really are divine. Beetroot is naturally very sweet and grated into this mix, it bulks up the batter and limits the need for a gluten-rich flour.

These are rich, moist and chocolatey - give them a go and you won’t be disappointed. They are made extra chocolatey by the chips and dark chocolate on top - entirely optional.⠀⠀
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TOTAL PREP AND COOKING TIME: 1 hour⠀⠀
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SERVES: 12 slices⠀⠀

SEASON: July to October

INGREDIENTS:⠀⠀

500g raw beetroot ⠀⠀

100ml melted coconut oil ⠀⠀

3 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla essence ⠀⠀

3/4 cup coconut flour ⠀⠀

1 cup coconut sugar⠀⠀

8 tbsp ground flaxseed⠀⠀

1/4 cup maple syrup⠀⠀

1 cup cacao powder ⠀⠀

1 tbsp cinnamon⠀⠀

1/2 tsp bicarb soda⠀⠀

1/2 tsp baking powder⠀⠀
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FOR DECORATING (optional):⠀

100g dark chocolate chips⠀

50g dark chocolate (minimum 70%)⠀
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INSTRUCTIONS: ⠀⠀

1. Preheat oven to 180C and line a deep square/rectangular baking tin with baking paper.⠀
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2. Chop the beetroot into chunks and blend in a food processor until relatively smooth (it can be a little chunky as you will blend again). In the same food processor, add the coconut oil, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla then blend again until combined.⠀
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3. Add the coconut flour, coconut sugar, cacao powder, flaxseed, cinnamon, bicarb and baking powder to the wet mixture. Blend again to form a thick batter (or you can do this in a mixing bowl).⠀
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4. Fold about 3/4 of the choc chips through the batter.⠀
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5. Scoop the batter into your lined tin. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until firm and dry to touch in the centre and the edges start to darken and crisp.⠀⠀
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6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 mins before transferring to a cooling rack.⠀⠀
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7. Optional decoration, add a small amount of boiling water to a saucepan and place a small glass mixing bowl over the top. Add choc chunks into the bowl over the heat and stir with a wooden spoon to melt. Drizzle over the brownies and sprinkle the final chocolate chips on top. I have also made a few batches with chocolate buttons on top.⠀ ⠀