CHOCOLATE CHICKPEA BROWNIES (that don’t taste like beans)

A while back I read an article about the future of chickpeas, and let me tell you something, it’s looking up! So much so, you can essentially find every snack, sweet, main, and even drink made from this mighty bean. Have you tried a Chickpea Caesar? What about a Spicy Chickpea Margarita? As outrageous as these drinks sound, they exist. I have yet to dabble into the world of chickpea drinks, but when the opportunity presents itself, I’m in!

Hummus will always be my favourite way to consume chickpeas. However, some other favourites include roasted and used as croutons on salads, mashed into burgers or falaffels, added to slow-cooker stews and currys, and of course if I’m craving something sweet, edible cookie dough is always a good idea. It’s seriously incredible how many ways chickpeas can be incorporated into your cooking and baking!

These brownies are so rich and chewy. They’re high in protein and fiber, with no added sugar. Like all brownies, they are best served when warm and right out of the oven. And don’t worry, they don’t taste like beans!


Chocolate Chickpea Brownies (that don’t taste like beans!)

  • 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup dried, pitted dates
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup almond milk (or other plant based milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly oil a 8×8-inch baking pan.
  2. In a food processor or high speed blender (I used my VitaMix) add all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
  3. Spread mixture into pan and top with chocolate chips.
  4. Bake for 20-24 minutes.
  5. Transfer to cooling rack and enjoy! Store extras in an air tight container in fridge.

BANANA BREAD PROTEIN GRANOLA

Another week and another granola recipe. I am going through the biggest parfait phase right now. My go to breakfast has been an obnoxious amount of fresh berries (either blueberries or blackberries), a heaping of coconut yogurt with chia seeds, a dash of fruit spread, and a sprinkling (okay, more of a dumping) of homemade granola. The combination of juicy berries, silky yogurt and crunchy granola is seriously what dreams are made of. Has anyone seen the meme, “I love sleep so much because it is like a time machine to breakfast”? That couldn’t be a more accurate representation of my current feelings.

Feeling inspired by some beautifully speckled bananas, I decided to give my Sarah’s Day inspired protein granola from a couple weeks ago, a potassium burst. This granola tastes like a slice of banana bread with peanut butter on top. It makes such a yummy topping to smoothie bowls, yogurt, or just on its own.

For those interested, this recipe is vegan, free of added sugars and gluten free! Who knew healthy eating could be so delicious. 🙂


Banana Bread Protein Granola

  • 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup dried coconut
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 scoop (around 1/3 cup) plant based vanilla protein powder
  • 2 TBSP ground flax
  • 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/3 cup nut butter
  • dash of cinnamon
  1. Preheat oven to 320°F.
  2. Add dry ingredients to a large bowl and give it a good mix.
  3. To a medium bowl combine wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
  4. Add the wet mixture to the dry. Use your hands to mix the granola together until all the dry ingredients stick together.
  5. Transfer granola to a lined tray, breaking it up into smaller chunks. Make sure it is spread evenly on the tray.
  6. Bake the granola in oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden. Give it a good mix at 10 minute intervals.
  7. Allow to cool completely.
  8. For an added bonus, toss in vegan mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate, chopped into smaller chunks.

This simple granola turned out so delicious. I’m thrilled to be able to eat it on top of my coconut yogurt or smoothie bowls!

Not food related but I’m in the market for a new camera. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would love to step up my food photography game.