Healthy Mushroom Brownies: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free and No Processed Sugar

If you're looking for a healthy twist on a classic chocolate brownie recipe, look no further than mushrooms. That's right, mushrooms! By adding finely chopped mushrooms to your brownie batter, you can add an extra dose of nutrients and a unique umami flavor to your sweet treat. Not only are these brownies delicious, but they're also dairy-free, gluten-free, and free from processed sugar, making them a guilt-free indulgence. So why not give it a try and see how mushrooms can take your brownies to the next level?

Healthy and Delicious Mushroom Brownies: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, and Free from Processed Sugar

Discover a delicious and healthy twist on classic chocolate brownies with our recipe for mushroom brownies that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and free from processed sugar, and learn about the potential health benefits of incorporating mushrooms into your diet.

What Type of Mushrooms Work Best for This Recipe?

When it comes to adding mushrooms to chocolate brownies, you want to choose a variety that has a mild flavor and a tender texture. One good option is white button mushrooms, which are widely available and have a mild, slightly nutty taste that can blend well with chocolate. Another great choice is cremini mushrooms, which are similar in flavor to white button mushrooms but have a slightly meatier texture. Both of these mushrooms are versatile and can be easily chopped up and added to your brownie batter for a healthy and delicious twist.

Magic Mushrooms

These mushroom brownies are magical but they are not made with the magical sort of mushrooms! The use of magic mushrooms or any other psychoactive substance is illegal and potentially dangerous. It is not recommended to use magic mushrooms or any other illegal drugs in recipes, as they can have unpredictable effects on individuals, and can be harmful to health. It is essential to prioritize safety and legality in all food preparation practices.

What are the Health Benefits of Using Mushrooms?

White button mushrooms and cremini mushrooms are both excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including copper, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B2. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

• In addition to their nutritional benefits, mushrooms are also known for their potential health benefits. White button mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans and ergothioneine, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help protect against cancer and other chronic diseases.

• Cremini mushrooms, on the other hand, are rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of healthy fat that has been linked to improved body composition and reduced inflammation in the body.

• When using adaptogenic mushrooms for these brownies, there are several mild-tasting varieties that can be used in mushroom brownies. One such mushroom is the reishi mushroom, which is known for its potential to support immune function and reduce inflammation. Another is the cordyceps mushroom, which has been shown to improve exercise performance and support cardiovascular health. Finally, there's the lion's mane mushroom, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and may have neuroprotective effects.

Overall, adding mushrooms to your chocolate brownies can not only add a unique flavor but also provide potential health benefits that are worth considering.

Tea and Brownie Pairings

When it comes to pairing tea with mushroom brownies, you want to choose a tea that complements the rich, earthy flavors of the mushrooms and chocolate. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Earl Grey: The bergamot flavor in Earl Grey tea can complement the earthy flavor of mushrooms, while the citrusy notes can help cut through the richness of the chocolate.

2. Chai: The warm spices in chai tea, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, can enhance the flavor of the chocolate and add an extra layer of complexity to the brownies.

3. Matcha: Matcha tea has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that can pair well with the earthiness of mushrooms. Plus, the caffeine in matcha green tea can provide a nice energy boost to help you power through your day.

4. Herbal tea: A mild, soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or lavender tea, can be a nice contrast to the rich, indulgent flavors of the brownies.

5. Chocolate mushroom tea: Try making this delicious chocolate mushroom tea!

Ultimately, the best tea to pair with your mushroom brownies will depend on your personal taste preferences. Experiment with different teas to find the perfect match for your taste buds!

How to Make Delicious Healthy Mushroom Brownies

Making these mushroom brownies from scratch is super easy to do. Firstly, add the mushrooms, dates and wet ingredients into a food processor and combine until smooth. Next add the dry ingredients and keep mixing until until all of the ingredients are well mixed and a thick brownie batter is formed. Add extra chocolate chips if you like extra chocolatiness. Pour the brownie batter into a lined brownie tin and bake. Enjoy a warm brownie square with a lovely cuppa :)

INGREDIENTS (Serves 12)

• 2 Cups (150g) White Button Mushrooms

• 1 Cup (100g) Almond Flour

• 1/2 Cup (125g) of Almond Butter

• 8 Medjool Dates

• 1/2 Cup (85g) Extra Dark Chocolate Chips - Melted

• 1/2 Cup (85g) Extra Dark Chocolate Chips - For Sprinkling

• 1/4 (85g) Cup Maple Syrup

• 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) of Coconut Oil - Melted

• 1/4 Cup (25g) of Cocoa Powder

• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

• 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

• 1/2 Teaspoon of Baking Powder

• Pinch of Salt

METHOD

• Pre heat the oven to 180*F/350*C/Gas mark 4 and line a 8in x 8in baking tin with baking/greaseproof paper.

• Gently remove any excess dirt off the mushrooms by either brushing or rinsing with cold water.

• Using a food processor, place the mushrooms in first and chop until fine.

• Next pit and roughly chop the medjool dates. Add these to the food processor and blend together with the mushrooms.

• Now add the almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, melted chocolate and vanilla extract, and combine well. The mixture should now be sticky puree.

• In a separate bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt)

• Slowly add the mixed dry ingredients to the mixed wet ingredients, continue to mix in the processor until well combined. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times during the process.

• Mix in the remaining chocolate chips and then pour the batter into your lined tin.

• Pop in the oven for around 25 minutes. The brownies should be springy to the touch when fully cooked.