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The next time you’re craving rich, chewy, densely chocolaty brownies, make a batch of these. Cooked black beans keep them lusciously moist, while date syrup (also called date molasses) lends a caramel-like sweetness. If you can’t find date syrup at the store, you can make your own by simmering equal amounts of chopped dates and water in a saucepan for 30 minutes, then allowing the mixture to cool before puréeing until smooth. The syrup can be strained through cheesecloth for more of a syrupy consistency, if desired. Store these healthy brownies in an airtight container for up to three days.

Recipe from chefajwebsite.com

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked)
  • 1 cup pure date syrup
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • Unsalted pistachio nuts, finely chopped (optional)
  • Vegan semisweet chocolate pieces (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper (or use a silicone cake pan).
  2. Combine the beans, date syrup, and cocoa powder in a food processor; process just until smooth. Add the oats, baking powder, and baking soda; process just until combined.
  3. Spread batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle with pistachios and chocolate pieces (if using). Bake for 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into wedges.

Comments (207)

(4.64 from 94 votes)
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Natalie5 days ago
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Oh, and 2 T ground flax with the 4 T. water too!

Natalie5 days ago
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I cut the date paste to 1/3 cup, unsweetened cocoa to 1/4 cup, rolled oats to 1/2 cup. Added 1/2 ripe banana, 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk and 1 small container of unsweetened apple sauce. Oh, and 2 cups cooked black beans instead. Otherwise keep the same ingredients. This is plenty sweet enough and tasty for me – also, alot less calories (even though I don’t count)!

Jean2 months ago
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I think this is a great recipe for a sweet treat that seems pretty nutritious really. I did a little change, though. I had made adzuki beans which is the traditional red bean paste in mochi and other Asian foods. They had been sweetened just a bit already with date syrup but not by much. I used those ~ 16.5 ozs because that’s what was in my jar partially smashed. I also used maybe 3/4 cup of date syrup because that’s what I had left in my bottle. (FYI I get good deals on date syrup at Home Goods stores pretty often). I pulverized my oatmeal and I used slightly less than 1/2 cup of cacao powder because that’s all I had. I added some cacao nibs in the batter and decorated the top with cocoa dusted walnuts and dark chocolate pieces.
It baked up in under 30 mintues. Tasted great but certainly the flavor of the beans and date syrup stood out making this more a dessert cake and not necessarily a brownie IMO. My husband thought it was great – I never told him what was in it. He thought it was simply a brownie.

Janet Nagy Hanley4 weeks ago
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This is my family’s favorite brownie! I make them in a mini cupcake pan and plant a walnut on top of each. They are festive and yummy. For kids birthdays I put a candle on top.

Kylee3 months ago
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I don’t think I can make these again – I can’t stop eating them!

I substituted the date syrup for apple puree and the cocoa powder with carob powder. Was still good.

I’ve ordered some carob syrup and next time I make them I will use that for the date syrup. I will just need to make sure someone else is around so I don’t eat all of them.

Liz3 months ago
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For those of you who are using date paste (soaked dates blended to a paste), what kind of dates are you using? I don’t remember if the recipe specifies, but the type makes a difference. Medjool dates are not dried and are sweeter than deglet dates which are dried. Ignore my comment if the date type is specified.

Andy2 months ago
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Liz, I am pretty sure these are in reference to Medjool Dates specifically. I have made date syrups before, and they the syrup always turn out really good when done with Medjool Dates.

Linda3 months ago
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The flavour of these brownies is outstanding but the texture is kinda mealy what with the oatmeal and the beans.
Next time I’ll try to blend them in my vitamix.
The date syrup really adds to the flavour but it’s very expensive, I’ll try to make some but it sounds like a sticky, messy process.

Kaz3 months ago
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It’s easy to make and I don’t think you need a cup. I use 4 large medjool dates, pitted, chopped pour a little boiling water over not even enough to cover the dates. Let them sit for a minute, mash with a fork. Add a little more water to give a ‘slightly’ runny texture. Mash again. I use that in my chocolate brownie banana bread and it’s great.

JD4 months ago
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I am using carob syrup as I don’t have any date syrup at the moment.

Kylee3 months ago
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How did it turn out with the carob syrup? Did you use one cup? I’m intending to try these with carob syrup substitute. Thanks.

I’d actually like to use less than 1 cup, because I think it will be too sweet for me. But I’m not sure how that would go.

LEE4 months ago
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Followed recipe exactly. My brownies were too liquid. Baked another 5 minutes, little improvement.

Debbie Lindsey4 months ago
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I can’t wait to try these, but i don’t see anywhere what kind of pan to bake them in…a square 9 x 9? A 13 x 9? Somebody please let me know so I won’t mess it up!! (LOL)

Diane3 months ago
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Line an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan

Janet Nagy Hanley4 months ago
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Hi, I bake these in mini silicon cupcake form. I omit the chocolate chips. I plant a walnut or a pecan on top of each one. Bake at 350F for 18 minutes. They are so cute and everyone likes them. You may also use a 9” square or round. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Joan4 months ago
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Absolutely delicious!! Thank you so much. So easy to make. I put mine in the air fryer on bake for 20 minutes

Alicia6 months ago
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I made these for a ladies get together. They came out beautiful and my friends were eager to give them a try. I really like them but the other ladies said they weren’t sweet enough. I used the full amount of date syrup from the Date Lady. I saw many comments saying that the brownies were too sweet so I was surprised that they weren’t. I thought they were just right but for non PB eaters it wasn’t. If I make them again for another get together I will add more syrup or add a couple of dates to the bean mixture.

Chelsea Boston6 months ago
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I personally love your site;Me & my Mom made this recipe,the brownies
were fudey and delisous!!!

Carrie7 months ago
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WOW! Made these yesterday and I was licking the bowl like I was a child. These brownies are fantastic and will be making them again….

Cheryl4 months ago
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Isn’t licking the bowl just about the best part? 🙂

FM8 months ago
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Outrageously Healthy Brownies recipe

Janet8 months ago
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Has anyone ever doubled this recipe? If so how long would you cook them if they baked all in same glass pan with parchment paper?
Thanks
Janet

Mo6 months ago
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I always double recipe. I bake them in a cake pan and cook them for the stated time (35 mins).

Jane MacArthur8 months ago
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Amazing!!! So good even non PB peeps like.

Amy8 months ago
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Excellent brownies! I had no pistachios so I subbed with raw walnuts otherwise I followed it exactly. Delicious! They look like any yummy brownie you would make. It will be nice to enjoy these guilt free brownies as an occasional treat! Go Chef AJ!

Michele8 months ago
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After reading other reviews, I also ground my oats into flour first, reduced the date syrup to 3/4C, and added 1/2C plant milk. Because there are no eggs or wheat flour in this recipe, you can always taste the batter and adjust the sweetness before baking. When serving at a dinner party, I drizzled with the chocolate sauce from Frozen Grapes With Chocolate Sauce recipe (Also delicious BTW)

Elizabeth C8 months ago
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I’ve fixed this recipe numerous times and served it to both plant-based and non-plant based eaters. Everyone has raved about them, and I don’t tell the latter group what’s in the brownies. Good topped with date syrup or strawberry-pineapple preserves, too. I put the pistachios in the batter.

James Leibensperger8 months ago
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We could make these Carob brownies, and use Carob powder instead of cocoa powder! I remember when carob was used in a lot of Vegan cooking! Let’s give it a try! This is an awesome recipe , because the black beans add that extra boost of protein, and fiber! Thanks

Tereze9 months ago
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This turned out rally nice, even my grandchildren loved. I subbed the date syrup with 1 cup of dates soaked in some soy milk

Sheri9 months ago
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Made this with hesitancy but WOW…so surprisingly good!!!!

Carrie7 months ago
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Me too… I was like.. I don’t know, I don’t know.. while I was making it and then I was like WOW. So easy, so good, so healthy!!! It’s a winner.

Ruth10 months ago
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I happen to have unsweetened cacao powder on hand instead of cocoa powder. Can I substitute with cacao powder?

Trompeter9 months ago
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Cacao works well, too.

melissa10 months ago
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does this recipe freeze well?

Lisa8 months ago
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Yes!

Isabelle Payne10 months ago
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Delicious! I used cannellini beans as I didn’t have black beans. Added some maple syrup as didn’t have enough date syrup and crushed hazelnuts to the top as I didn’t have pistachios! Very popular with the whole family! Will definitely have to make them again.

Tk10 months ago
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Looks yummy

Pamela10 months ago
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These are ridiculously good!!! And healthy!’

Pamela Flores4 months ago
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I needed a good review from another Pamela, now I will definitely make these! Thank you Pamela!

Sandie10 months ago
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What is the nutritional breakdown? Specifically the carbs and sugar.

Susan Wright10 months ago
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we love them and I am going to make them before Thanksgiving so we can have Dr Joel Furnham’s pumkinpie because we love that too

Denise10 months ago
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Absolutely delicious! I’ve made these several times and they are always a hit. Question:. Can I freeze them?

Johanne8 months ago
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You sure can !

Diane Hart11 months ago
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I have learned that it’s really important not to overcook the brownies. If you do they will come out dry. They may not seem quite done when the time is up but they will set once they have cooled. Baking too long will definitely make them dry.
Depending on where you live and the relative elevation and humidity, you will have to experiment with this.

When they are good, they are very very good!

Marian Blum9 months ago
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Thanks for the tip, Diane!

Jett11 months ago
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Aloha, I read through all the comments and picked and chose what I wanted to add to my first try at these little beauties.
I opted for a little vanilla, oatmeal flour and chopped pecans. A little extra water at the end.
My brownies turned out perfect! Can’t wait to make more for my Halloween get together. No one will ever know the better nor guess there are black beans in dem brownies- ha!
Dey are da bomb!
Mahalo for such an amazing recipe.

makuahine11 months ago
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Ok if they’re da bomb, I definitely will try making them.
Mahalo

Jan R11 months ago
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Oooey Goooey and gooood! So rich and satisfying with nothing in them that spikes allergies for me like nut butters. I left off the pistachios because I’m allergic to nuts but sprinkled a few chocolate chips on top. So good. Will make these again for sure!

Diane Lynch11 months ago
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Excellent

Jennifer11 months ago
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The first time I made these, I disliked the texture of the bits of oat that were left when following the order of the recipe as written. I made them again, processing the oats into a flour first, then proceeded. Much smoother. I also decreased the date syrup to 2/3 cup and replaced the remainder with plant milk – still plenty sweet. Yum!

T11 months ago
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Did you use quick oats or old fashioned the first time?

Carol11 months ago
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Love this recipe and made it multiple times. I have made adjustments based on my taste. Too sweet so I use half cup of date syrup and half cup of unsweetened applesauce. Everything else the same.

Kylee3 months ago
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ah! That’s a good idea! – applesauce. I might try that as I’m sure with 1 cup of date syrup it would be too sweet for me. Thanks!

Sheri9 months ago
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I used sugar free maple syrup…less sweet and came out really good.

Anne Marie Tate11 months ago
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I make these brownies all of the time. A family favourite. Can you please tell me the fat in each serving.

Darlene Loves9 months ago
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You can always use My Fitness Pal and upload the recipe and it will tell you the nutritional break down.

KUH11 months ago
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If you use the chocolate chips & pistachios, then you can look on the label to see how much fat is in the amount you use (same with oats). If you omit the chocolate chips and pistachios, then the only fat is in the oats & that can also be found on the label.

Alice12 months ago
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I followed the directions to a T. No substitutions. My brownies came out dry and not sweet at all. Not sure how others say they turn out sweet and gooey?? I have read other reviews about using maple syrup instead of date syrup for the sweetness. Following the reviewers that used blended dates instead of date syrup should help the moisture level, but I was also thinking of adding applesauce for moisture… Anyone try this? Maybe I should have left some liquid with the beans after rinsing them?

Stephanie Cavallaro9 months ago
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Mine also turned out like yours. I was very disappointed and my husband thought the same thing. Other recipes are better. Easy? Yes. Delicious? Not so much.

Suzanne1 year ago
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I used Date Lady date syrup and they turned out WAY too sweet even though I increased the cocoa powder to 3/4 cup. I may try them again, but would definitely cut the date syrup in half and just add water.

Smith11 months ago
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And because it was too sweet in your own opinion then it’s only 3 stars? Maybe wait and Adjust to your own preference and give it 5 stars?

Jennifer11 months ago
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First time making these and they came out gooey and delicious! Thank you for this recipe! Definitely will become a regular treat in my house!

Grace1 year ago
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Carb count/nutritional info on all your recipes would be really helpful for type 1 diabetics.

Denise11 months ago
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You can easily figure up all the nutrient content yourself with simple math and label reading. FOK leaves it out on purpose, but it’s not rocket science.

Lucy1 year ago
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If you have MyFitness Pal and upload the recipe to “recipes,” it will calculate info for you.

Forks Over Knives1 year ago
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Hi Grace! We have chosen not to include nutritional information for our recipes as we would not encourage nutrient tallying and calorie counting, which we believe can create more problems than they solve. The general guideline to follow is that, with a whole-food, plant-based diet, you can eat until comfortably satiated.

The higher water and fiber content of whole plant-based foods allows our bodies to more accurately gauge how much food we need to eat. Whole plant foods contain all the essential nutrients (with the exception of Vitamin B12), and in proportions that are more consistent with human needs than animal-based or processed foods.

However, we do understand that certain medical conditions do require knowing specific nutrient information, so for those instances we recommend entering our recipes into online nutritional software: http://www.cronometer.com. If you have a health issue or have concerns, be sure to consult a physician.

Rebecca1 year ago
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I am making these now. Idk why, however, I cannot stomach dates. So I will be using maple syrup,

sylvia1 year ago
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Absolutely DELISH! Defi improved with vanilla flavouring and I add some pre-soaked sultanas

Kim1 year ago
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I might give these a try. But date syrup is expensive so I would sub with pure maple syrup and use half a cup to 3/4 of a cup max.

Stacey Heiny1 year ago
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I highly suggest just making your own date syrup with equal parts dates and water in your blender until smooth. 🙂

Bob Sacamano1 year ago
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10/10 on first attempt, double batch. Will def make again. I ground up the rolled oats (ROLLED OATS == OLD FASHIONED OATS) in the food processor separately before combining other ingredients. Only had 3/4 cup of date syrup (out of the 2 cups total needed), so made up the difference with pure maple syrup. Added 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for fun based on comments here.

Megan1 year ago
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I made these with homemade date paste the first time and did not love them. The second time I also used homemade date paste but added a banana, soymilk, oat flour instead of rolled oats, and a bit of peanut butter. They were definitely better. I think I might try them again but next time add maybe another banana, a bit more flour, maybe a flax egg, and bake them a bit longer.

Barbara1 year ago
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Why is this recipe not on the actual site?

Diane1 year ago
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Delicious! I used 1 cup of dates pureed. I added, I banana, 1/3 cup of peanut butter and about 1/4 cup of soy milk. Also 1 cup instead of 3/4 cup oats. I love all of the comments. Next time will add coffee and vinegar. I like that with chocolate brownies.

Susan8 months ago
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Thank you for the great suggestion for how to substitute dates for date syrup. This is very helpful!

LeslieA1 year ago
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I made these without any sweetener. Then plated a slice and lightly sprinkled with turbinado sugar. That was a lot less sugar, not sure what the FOK docs would think…

Randy Weisbin1 year ago
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Is there a table on this site for amounts to switch sweeteners? Like how much stevia to maple syrup to date syrup, etc? I’m thinking of doing half Truvia and half maple syrup. I have to cut back on sugars. Too lazy to make date syrup. Or is there a better bean brownie recipe for me? Thanks.

Wendy9 months ago
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Trader Joe’s now sells pure date syrup…reasonable and tastes delish! Nothing but dates….

Juli1 year ago
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Yummy and filling!

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Healthy Brownies

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Chef AJ

Chef AJ has been devoted to a plant-exclusive diet for over 44 years. She is the host of the television series Healthy Living with CHEF AJ airing on Foody TV. A chef, culinary instructor, and professional speaker, she is author of Unprocessed: How to Achieve Vibrant Health and Your Ideal Weight and the best-selling books The Secrets to Ultimate Weight Loss and Own Your Health. Chef AJ was the executive pastry chef at Santé Restaurant in Los Angeles where she was famous for her sugar-, oil-, salt- and gluten-free desserts. She is the host of YouTube show Chef AJ Live. She is proud to say that her IQ is higher than her cholesterol. In 2018 she was inducted into the Vegetarian Hall of Fame. Find her on Instagram and Twitter.

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