Chocolate and Hazelnut Brownies

Here is a recipe to prepare delicious chocolate and hazelnut brownies, with an Italian touch that never hurts.

Ingredients

• 150 g of dark chocolate
• 100 g of butter
• 200 g of granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 100 g of 00 flour
• 30 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 150 g of toasted and coarsely chopped hazelnuts

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a square pan (about 20x20 cm) with parchment paper.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, then add the butter and mix until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until fluffy and frothy. Add the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, mixing gently.
5. Separately, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then sift them over the egg and chocolate mixture. Mix with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture, until uniform.
6. Add most of the chopped hazelnuts (keep some aside for decoration) and mix to distribute them evenly.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, level the surface, and sprinkle with the remaining chopped hazelnuts.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but slightly moist for brownies that are still soft in the center.
9. Let the brownies cool in the pan, then cut them into squares.

Trivia

The brownie is an American dessert, but by adding toasted hazelnuts you’re giving a twist to the recipe that goes well with the richness of the chocolate. Hazelnuts, in fact, are much loved in Italy, especially those from Piedmont, which are famous worldwide. With this little trick, your brownie will have an Italian touch. Enjoy your meal!