A Sweet Treat with a Healthy Twist

WITH A HEALTHY TWIST

Enjoy a fibre-rich treat made with protein-packed adzuki beans. The light, creamy texture is complemented perfectly by the dense chocolate flavour, making this recipe from Ontario Bean Growers worth a try. (NC)

Adzuki Bean Fudge

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 hours, 45 minutes Yield: 32 squares

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup (175 mL) dried adzuki beans ½ cup (125 mL) peanut butter 1 cup (250 mL) maple syrup 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt 1½ cup (375 mL) unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup (125 mL) butter, melted 4-5 cups (1-1.25 L) fresh water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium sauce pan, add adzuki beans and cover with enough water to fully submerge by at least 1 inch. Soak 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

2. Drain and replace with water. Over highheat, bring to a boil. Reduce to low and allow to simmer for 1.5 hours, or until beans are very soft. As the water boils down, you may need to add more to keep beans. Once cooked, drain and allow to cool slightly.

3. Line a 8x8-inch (20x20-cm) cake pan with parchment paper; set aside.

4. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, add warm beans; blend until smooth and no clumps remain. Add peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt. Pulse until well combined.

5. In a large mixing bowl add bean mixture, cocoa powder and melted butter; mix until well combined.

6. Press into lined cake pan; refrigerate 1 hour before slicing into 2-inch squares.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/ SERVING

Calories 199; fat 11.0 g; protein 5.1 g; carbohydrates 25.0 g; fibre 4.6 g; sugar 12.3 g; sodium 117 mg; cholesterol 15 mg.