Zucchini Brownies: Hidden Veggie Delight!

Photo byDina - DelReyManor

I've always tried to serve veggies with dinner, and with my picky eaters, I hardly see them eat the vegetables, even though they are delicious. So for years, I have added hidden vegetables to lots of meals, just to get some nutrients in the recipe, and to at least make myself feel better, knowing that I am giving my family something yummy and healthy at the same time.

Like adding puréed chickpeas to spaghetti sauce, or puréed spinach to meatballs.

Adding zucchini to brownies is so easy, and no one will suspect a thing. And as an added bonus, the zucchini makes the brownies very moist, and not dried out.

If you want to add a hidden vegetable to your brownies, this is the time, and this is the recipe!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted, melted butter
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Beat on low speed until well combined.
3. Slowly add the sifted flour, salt, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
4. Stir in the melted butter and shredded zucchini.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into an 8x8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 22-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips:

• Shred the zucchini finely to ensure it mixes evenly into the batter.
• Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in tough brownies.
• For a fudgier brownie, underbake by a few minutes.
• To make gluten-free brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• For a healthier option, use dark chocolate chips and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy these decadent brownies! They're a perfect treat for any occasion, and you'll never guess they contain zucchini.

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