WORDS, PHOTO + RECIPE: LUCIA
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, C, fibre, antioxidants and some key minerals such as potassium and manganese.
Dates are loaded with nutrients, they are a natural sweetener, they are rich in fibre, potassium, B vitamins and antioxidants. In Ayurveda, dates are considered a ‘superfood’ because they are both Sattvic (promote peace in the mind) and directly nourish Ojas (the essence of our immune system and vitality)
Cacao is packed with antioxidants and essential minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, and zinc. It not only uplifts mood and sharpens brain function but also maintains stable blood sugar levels with its low glycemic index.
I N G R E D I E N T S
2 golden sweet potatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
200 ml plant-based milk
12-15 Medjool dates (soaked for a couple of minutes in boiling water)
2 cups gluten-free flour (I used a blend of almond and buckwheat)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
5 heaped tbsp of cocoa powder (around 1/2 a cup)
Pinch of sea salt
2 handfuls of walnuts or mixed nuts
100 g good quality dark chocolate, chopped.
Optional: I added 1/2 tsp ashwagandha powder and 1/2 tsp of reishi powder
M E T H O D
- Preheat the oven to 175 degrees and line a baking tray with baking paper. (Square or round around 20cmx20cm)
- Cut both sweet potatoes lengthwise and place them on the tray with the skin facing up. Bake until they are soft enough to puree. Let them cool down. (You can do this step a day or a couple of hours before making the brownies to save time.)
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, soak the dates in boiling water for a couple of minutes.In a food processor, combine the sweet potato puree, soaked and rinsed dates, olive oil, and plant-based milk.
- Process until you get a smooth mixture. Add the gluten-free flour, cinnamon, cocoa powder, baking powder, a pinch of salt and the herbs if using. Pulse again until everything is well combined.
- Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and dark chocolate chunks (or melted dark chocolate, if preferred).
- Pour the brownie batter into your desired baking container, spreading it evenly. Top with additional dark chocolate chunks, nuts, and a pinch of salt.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a crust forms on the top. The brownies should be soft inside. Let them cool down before slicing.