Sameera Reddy’s eggless, ‘gut-friendly’, ‘gluten-free’, ‘guilt-free’ brownie fails to impress dietitian

Method

*Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking pan.
*In a bowl, mix steamed sweet potato puree, nut butter, vanilla, and jaggery until smooth.
*Add cocoa powder, oat flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and add oil to bind.
*Fold in chocolate chips or add on top.
*Spread batter evenly, sprinkle extra chips if using.
*Bake for 25 minutes until just set.
*Cool completely for the best fudgy texture.

Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Note:

*Do not add water to the dough while binding
*Do not add water while steaming the sweet potatoes; instead, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and pressure cook on a low flame.
*Oat flour (is just oats in a mixer)
*You can add more choc chips to make it sweeter

Dt. Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said this version uses sweet potato and nut butter instead of refined flour and a lot of butter. “While this might sound like a better ingredient choice, it doesn’t automatically mean the brownie is healthier. When a sweet potato is baked and mixed with sweeteners, its carbohydrate structure changes. This can affect how quickly sugar is absorbed in the body,” said Sheikh.

But isn’t sweet potato healthy? Sweet potato is nutritious in its whole, minimally processed form, such as boiled or steamed, and eaten as part of a balanced meal. “However, when it is baked into desserts, mashed, and mixed with fats and sweeteners, its glycaemic index can increase. This means it might raise blood sugar more quickly than people expect, especially in desserts,” said Sheikh.

Does using jaggery or sugar alternatives improve blood sugar control?

Not necessarily, asserted Sheikh. “Jaggery and most sugar substitutes still add carbohydrates and calories. In a baked dessert, they do not significantly prevent blood sugar spikes. The idea that such swaps make desserts “blood sugar friendly” can be misleading, especially for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.”

Is this brownie actually gut-friendly?

For some, it may feel easier to digest than a traditional brownie made with refined flour. “However, baking, cocoa, and fat-heavy ingredients can still cause bloating or discomfort in sensitive people. Calling it universally gut-friendly would be an exaggeration,” said Sheikh.

What should people be cautious about when trying such recipes?

Portion size and how often you eat them are important. “Nut butters, chocolate, and baked carbs are calorie-dense. Even if the ingredients sound wholesome, the final product is still a dessert and should not be seen as a health food or regular snack.”

 

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Who should be especially careful?

People with diabetes, prediabetes, weight issues, or gut problems should be careful. These recipes might be suitable as an occasional treat, but they should not be promoted as beneficial for blood sugar balance or metabolic health, said Sheikh.

Ingredient swaps can make desserts feel less processed, but baking changes how foods act in the body. “Sweet potato brownies may be enjoyable, but they are still desserts, not health foods. Clear messaging helps people make smart choices without confusing treats with good nutrition,” contended Sheikh.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.