Flourless Beet Brownies

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder and baking soda together. Set aside.

Step 3

Add the chopped beets, sugar and vanilla, if using, to the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until the beets are just puréed but before they begin to liquefy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4

In a small microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup/6 ounces chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each round, until the chocolate is almost completely melted, up to 75 seconds total. Remove the chocolate from the microwave, stir until completely smooth, then immediately add it to the food processor. Blend it with the beets on high until smooth. Add the eggs, blend to incorporate, then add the dry ingredients and blend until just combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5

Remove the blade, and using a rubber spatula, scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons/1 ounce chocolate chips on top and bake until the brownies have puffed and set on top but are still a little fudgy when a toothpick is inserted inside, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and topping with flaky sea salt.