Like most Americans, I grew up eating the standard American chili made with ground beef, onions, tomatoes and a magical chili spice packet. In the pan went the ground beef, then the onions to be cooked in the beef fat. That "fat is flavor" that must stay in the chili at all costs. With all that saturated fat for flavor, it’s no wonder my family struggled with weight.
Cue the Turkey chili. With less fat and “all the protein of beef” what’s not to love? This was mine and my family’s go-to chili until I kicked all animal products with their saturated fat and dietary cholesterol out of my diet. That was nearly 10 years ago and I haven’t looked back.
Now I enjoy all the chili flavor I’ve always known and loved with zero dietary cholesterol, less fat, and packed with health-promoting fiber. You see, meat (and all animal products) have zero fiber. When you swap in lentils, quinoa, mushrooms, or extra beans and swap out animal protein your chili gets leaner and more nutritious.
Looking for a bowl of vegan chili in the KC area? Check out these restaurants that either have it on the menu as a “Menu Item” (MI) or a “Seasonal Special” (SS).
These Chilis are sure to please your taste buds and warm your soul!
KEY: MI: Menu Item - SS: Seasonal Special (please contact the restaurant to confirm availability) - (V: Vegan - GF: Gluten-Free - SF: Soy Free - OF: Oil Free Org: Organic)
Cafe Gratitude - MI - (V, GF, SF) Downtown, KCMO
Mattie’s Foods - SS - (V, GF?, SF?) Midtown, KCMO
The Fix - SS - (V, GF?) Martini Corner, KCMO
The Tree Hugger Kitchen - MI - (V, GF) West Bottoms, KCMO
The Littlest Bake Shop - SS - (V, GF, SF, OF) Brookside, KCMO
Unforked (No cheese please)- SS - (V, GF, SF) Overland Park, KS
KEY: MI: Menu Item - SS: Seasonal Special - (please contact the restaurant to confirm availability) - (V: Vegan - GF: Gluten-Free - SF: Soy Free - OF: Oil Free Org: Organic)