14 Hearty Chili Recipes You Won't Believe Are Vegan

Cooler weather means I’m cooking up a pot of chili or soup for dinner several times a week. Chili is a comfort food that I cannot get enough of. But here’s the plain and simple truth — chili, particularly vegan chili, can be boring. We don’t eat much meat anymore and have tried to eat more vegan and vegetarian meals. I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting recipes to add to my weekly menu. I was on the hunt for great vegan chili recipes to try out until I get tired of chili, which I think will probably be never.
I’ve found 14 chili recipes you won’t believe are vegan to help perk up your chili and take it from blah to amazing! Read on to see some surprising and unexpected ingredients in these great vegan chili recipes.

14 HEARTY CHILI RECIPES YOU WON’T BELIEVE ARE VEGAN

Get your cornbread ready! Delicious vegan chili recipes are on the way!

FARRO AND QUINOA SRIRACHA CHILI

Imagine you run out of chili powder and you're making chili. Kind of important, right? How about pulling out the sriracha instead? This chili's got big flavor. Not only that, it has a great, thick texture from added quinoa and farro. It's sure to fill your belly and still have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Top with vegan sour cream (or leave it off completely) and you're good to go.
Photo and recipe source: Bakeaholic Mama

BLACK BEAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHILI

Not only is this chili loaded with healthy butternut squash, black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes, it's got a mighty kick from chipotle chiles.
Photo and recipe source: Will cook For Friends

WHITE BEAN CHILI

I love a good white bean chili and this one has all of my favorites, including corn. It's expertly spiced and perfect with a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.
Recipe and photo source: Girl Makes Food

LENTIL QUINOA CHILI

If you've never thought of adding lentils to your chili, now's a good time to start thinking about it. This chili has classic spices like chili powder, cumin and coriander, but with a pinch of curry added in. Very creative. I like it.
Photo and recipe source: Ambitious Kitchen

CHILI WITH FRESH ROASTED CHILES

This colorful chili is full of fresh roasted anaheim chiles, plus the addition of soy sauce for a boost of umami. And like most chili, it tastes even better the next day.
Photo and recipe source: White on Rice Couple

LENTIL CHILI WITH ROASTED RED PEPPERS, OLIVES AND GREEN ONION

Remember what I said about lentils in chili? I meant it. This recipe from Kalyn's Kitchen is one you'll definitely want to make. No beans this time, just a combination of red and green lentils. Roasted red peppers, olives and green onions add even more great flavor.
Photo and recipe source: Kalyn's Kitchen

THREE BEAN AND MUSHROOM VEGAN CHILI WITH CRUNCHY TORTILLA STRIPS

Occasionally I miss the meaty texture of non-vegan chili, but add mushrooms and that longing goes away instantly. This chili also uses three different kinds of beans and gets a hit of sweetness from maple syrup. Yum!
Photo and recipe source: The Unprocessed People

KALE AND BLACK BEAN CHILI

This is a simple, wholesome chili loaded with kale. Top it with vegan cashew cream, green onions and toasted pepitas.
Photo and recipe source: Babble Food

BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHIPOTLE CHILI WITH AVOCADO

Sweet butternut squash and spicy chipotle team up in this fabulous avocado-topped chili.
Photo and recipe source: Cookie + Kate

GARDEN-STYLE CHILI

Sommer's beautiful Vegan Garden Vegetable Chili is chock full of sweet potatoes, red peppers, tomatoes and corn.
Recipe and photo source: A Spicy Perspective

VEGAN CHILI WITH CINNAMON AND COCOA POWDER

Maybe you're tired of cornbread and chili, why not give cinnamon rolls and chili a try? This is another nutrient-rich chili with the addition of canned pumpkin, loads of veggies and three kinds of beans with a touch of cinnamon and cocoa powder.
Recipe and photo source: Baker Bettie

MOCHA TOFU CHILI

Mocha = chocolate + coffee. This chili has both plus three kinds of beans and tofu. As the Kohlers say, "You might be skeptical, but the addition of both gives this chili a rich velvet taste that is perfect as we head into the long, cold winter nights." I'm not the least bit skeptical. Are you?
Photo and recipe source: Kohler Created

VEGAN THAI CHILI

We Heart Vegan wins the prize for creativity for this Thai (Fusion) Chili. Extra points for use of coconut milk. This is one chili I cannot wait to try out for myself.
Recipe and photo source: We Heart Vegan

CHILI WITH CILANTRO-LIME CASHEW SOUR CREAM

This chili is loaded with goodies - carrots, celery, red pepper, black beans, green chiles, sweet potatoes and kale. You could almost call it Superfood Chili. As good as the chili is, one of the best parts is the Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sour Cream.
Photo and recipe source: Cafe Johnsonia

Source: Babble.com