Easy Brownies From Scratch

A delicious one-bowl recipe for easy brownies from scratch!

Rich and delicious, these easy brownies from scratch are made in one bowl and there’s no need for a mixer. Why reach for a box mix when homemade brownies are this simple and DELICIOUS? Not only are these brownies irresistibly good, they contain no oil and only 1/4 cup of butter – pretty fantastic, right? Thanks to Lentils.org for sponsoring this post as part of their #LoveALentil #LetsLentil campaign. 

Brownies are one of my all-time favorite desserts. They are one of the few desserts I really can’t resist, and a pan of brownies never EVER lasts long in our house. Because I have a house full of brownie fans, they are one of my favorite foods to tuck some added nutrition into.

With two picky eaters in my house, I’m always looking for ways to tuck some protein in here or some nutrients in there.

When my family is enjoying a delicious dessert, and I know that they are also getting some healthy ingredients, it’s a total mom win. This irresistibly fudge easy brownies from scratch have a few secret ingredients in them. Nobody will know, but everybody will love them.

So what’s in these brownies you ask? There are a few things, but probably the most surprising ingredient is lentils! You heard me right, lentils! This isn’t the first time I’ve shared a dessert recipe that I’ve made with lentils. I also make a pretty mean carrot cake with lentils. 100% picky eater approved! If you aren’t familiar with lentils, they are a type of pulse crop, along with dry beans, dry peas, and chickpeas. The most commonly found lentils on grocery store shelves are whole green lentils and split red lentils. I prefer the split red lentils for baking, they are so quick and easy.

Lentils are a great source of fiber, protein and minerals. Heart smart, nutrient dense, low in fat, easy to cook and easy to eat lentils are perfect for your pantry. There are 18 grams of fiber in a recommended 100 – gram serving of split red lentils. That is more fiber than 100 grams of bran flakes! Lentils are also an excellent source of the micronutrients folate and iron, and a good source of selenium and zinc. As a general rule, you can substitute up to half the fat or butter in most baking recipes with lentil puree. So you can knock out some fat and add some nutrients, you can’t go wrong!

I simply cook my lentils with water for 15-20 minutes, then puree them and they are ready to be tucked into recipes. Lentils are easily transformed into a tasty, smooth, nutritionally dense puree that can easily be stirred into a wide variety of dishes in your kitchen. The puree disappears so fussy eaters wont even know its there. It’s so easy to prepare your lentil puree. If you can boil water, you can make lentil puree!

Trust me, my eaters are the fussiest you can find, and my kids have gobbled up every recipe that I’ve added lentils to.

I mentioned there were a few secret ingredients in these, in addition to the lentils. First I make these brownies with dark cocoa powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder contains iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc and flavonoids. White whole wheat flour replaces traditional all-purpose flour, and is packed full of whole grains. Greek yogurt is also included in this recipe, which adds calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. While these delicious brownies are still very much a treat for dessert, it’s pretty awesome if that treat can be delicious and have a number of ingredients that are nutritious.

EASY BROWNIES FROM SCRATCH

4 from 2 votes

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Easy Brownies From Scratch

Servings 16 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter (melted and cooled)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup split red lentil puree
• 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Optional 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour ingredients into a 9x9 inch pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, until center is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. If desired brownies can be served warm, a la mode style, or at room temperature.

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I can’t wait for you to try these delicious brownies… and lentils! Lentils can be used in so many recipes, much more than soups and curries – use them from breakfast to dessert and everything in-between. They really are a nutritional powerhouse! Lentils are high in protein and fiber, and a great source of minerals such as potassium, iron, and folate. Check out just how easy they are to cook with.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lentils.org. The opinions and text are all mine.