VEGAN BROWNIES WITH TAHINI AND HALVA
INGREDIENTS
4 ounces/115 grams pitted dates (2/3 cup packed)
2 cups/480 millilitres boiling water
¾ cup/180 millilitres extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
1 ½ cups/270 grams spelt flour
¾ cup/90 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons/210 millilitres unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
¾ cup/180 millilitres maple syrup
¾ cup/120 grams coconut palm sugar (see Tip)
½ cup/120 millilitres tahini
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
4 ounces/115 grams vegan bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
3 ounces/90 grams vegan halva (see Tip), finely crumbled (about 2/3 cup)
4 teaspoons white sesame seeds
½ cup/70 grams finely chopped toasted Marcona almonds or roasted cashews
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Place dates in a medium heatproof bowl and pour boiling water on top to cover.
Let soak until dates are softened, about 20 minutes, then drain well.
Heat oven to 350°F / 175°C degrees. Line a 13-by-9-inch / 33 x 22 CM glass baking dish with parchment paper; brush paper and sides of pan lightly with olive oil and set aside.
Sift flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into a large bowl; whisk to combine and set aside.
Place drained dates, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut sugar, tahini, vanilla, fine sea salt and ¾ cup olive oil in a food processor; blend until smooth.
Pour into the sifted flour mixture and whisk just until combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate and halva.
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread out in an even layer using an offset or rubber spatula.
Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds, then almonds.
Bake until edges pull away from the sides of the dish and a toothpick comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let cool completely. Refrigerate until cold and firm before cutting.
Bring to room temperature before eating, or enjoy them cold, straight out of the fridge.
TIPS
If you want sweeter brownies, you can increase the amount of coconut palm sugar to 1 cup / 2.3 dl .
Some halva may contain egg whites or honey, so be sure to check the ingredient list on the packaging if you’re vegan.
B&B GOURMET RECOMMENDS: Al Arz Tahini and Halva and Medjool dates.
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