Gluten Free Quinoa Brownies

An indulgent yet healthier take on the classic brownie, incorporating the nutty texture of quinoa. The addition of coconut palm sugar and almond milk makes it a sweet treat suitable for those looking for alternative ingredients.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8-16, depending on size

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup quinoa
• 1 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup almond milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsalted organic butter, melted and cooled
• 1 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Quinoa Preparation: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once done, set aside to cool.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. Alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add almond milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Now, incorporate the cooked quinoa and melted butter into the mixture. Continue blending until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5. Prepare Dry Mix: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together coconut palm sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine and Bake: Pour the wet mixture from the blender into the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined and no dry patches remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish before slicing and serving.

Storage: Store leftover brownies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to a month.

Serving Tips: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Nutritional Insight: Quinoa is a great source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making these brownies a slightly more nutritious choice than your regular brownies.