A whole food, plant-based diet doesn't have to be about deprivation. This chocolate brownie is to 'beyond words'. It’s made with whole plant food ingredients, it’s high in omega 3’s, fibre and packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It’s also low in saturated fat, refined sugar free and totally moorish while being health promoting! Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole walnuts
2 1⁄2 cups Medjool dates, pitted*
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
¼ teaspoon salt flakes
Chocolate ganache
1 cup sweet potato, steamed and cooled
½ cup dates
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup almond butter
2 tablespoons soy milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt flakes
Garnish
½ cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup goji berries
METHOD
Place the walnuts, dates, cocoa, vanilla and salt in a food processor and process on high until the mixture is well combined. The mixture should appear crumbly but will easily stick together if smooshed between your fingers (if not, process further or add a teaspoon of water).
Line a square cake tin and press the mixture into this so it is firmly packed down.
To make the ganache, blend the sweet potato, dates, cocoa, almond butter, soy milk, vanilla and sea salt until very smooth. Taste and add more dates if you like it sweeter. Add a little more soy milk if necessary to thin.
Spread the ganache all over the brownie in a thick layer. Top with chopped walnuts and goji berries.
Chill in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.
* A tip for purchasing dates: Buy them whole, not pitted, and remove the stones yourself (make sure to count every one as you don’t want these going through your food processor!). Try to choose the softest dates as they will blend easier and will be sweeter in flavour. Enjoy!