Preheat the oven to 180C/360F/Gas 4. Line a 30 x 20 x 3.5cm (12 x 8 x 1½in) tin with lightly buttered greaseproof paper or foil.
Put the plain chocolate and butter in a large bowl, place over a pan of simmering water and allow to melt.
Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl and set aside. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla essence. Fold in the flour, the chocolate chunks and the nuts.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared cake tin. Place in the oven and bake for around 25 minutes. When cooked, the top should be firm but the inside should feel soft. Allow to cool in the tin. Remove the brownies from the tin and cut into squares to serve.