Easy Lentil Pasties Recipe: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
If you are a foodie, you know that there is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky pastry filled with delicious, savory fillings. And if you’re one of those people who loves pasties, then my spiced lentil vegetable pasties recipe is a must-try for you!
The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the traditional Cornish pasties, which are enjoyed all over the world. My version takes things up a notch by taking the classic shape and stuffing it full of lentils and spices.
As an Israeli chef, I believe in creating dishes that are both filling and nutritious. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber making them a perfect plant-based ingredient to add to any meal – including pasties! When combined with some spices like cumin and paprika, as well as diced carrots and onions, it creates a hearty and flavorful filling that will satisfy even the hungriest eaters.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this spiced lentil vegetable pasties recipe is sure to please even the meat lovers at your table. So preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, vegetarian meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, then this lentil pasties recipe is just for you! The spiced lentil filling is packed with bold flavors and will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
One thing that makes this recipe stand out is how versatile it is. You can serve these lentil pasties hot or cold, making them perfect for a quick lunch or snack on the go. They’re also great as a main dish for dinner, especially when served with a side salad or some roasted veggies.
But what really sets this recipe apart from the rest is how healthy it is. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making them perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. This recipe also includes onion, garlic, carrots, and butternut squash, which are all high in nutrients and vitamins.
Plus, this lentil pasties recipe allows for flexibility in terms of spices and seasonings. You can add your own personal twist by experimenting with different spices like paprika, ground ginger, or curry powder to suit your taste.
Lastly, these lentil pasties can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use – making them a perfect option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Overall, if you’re looking for a satisfying and healthy vegetarian option that’s full of flavor and easy to make, then you’ll definitely love this spiced lentil vegetable pasty recipe!
Ingredient List
Before starting with the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to make these Spiced Lentil Vegetable Pasties. Here is the list of what you need to prepare:
- 1 large onion
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp curry powder
- A pinch of ground ginger
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the pastry:
- 500 g shortcrust pastry or puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Note that red lentil varieties are perfect when making vegetarian cornish pasties as they have a soft texture that works well with the vegetable filling. If you prefer vegan pastries, use puff pastry instead of shortcrust pastry and skip the egg wash. You can substitute carrots with your favorite vegetables such as broccoli stem, pumpkin, butternut squash or moroccan carrot lentil – they all work perfectly fine.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! With this spiced lentil vegetable pasties recipe, I’ll guide you on how to make a delicious and filling meal.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Lentils
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven is heating up, cook the lentils. Rinse a cup of dried red lentils thoroughly before placing them in a pan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow them to simmer for 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare Filling
Heat a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions, finely diced carrots, and minced garlic cloves, until just softened. Stir in one tablespoon of tomato paste, along with your choice of spices: one teaspoon each of paprika, ground ginger, and ground cumin or replace with curry powder; stir for another minute or two.
Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well with the spiced vegetables until warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Fill Pastry
Roll out your pre-made shortcrust pastry thinly, then cut out rounds about six inches in diameter (use a cookie cutter or lid as a guide). Place some of the spiced lentil vegetable mixture on one side of each circle.
Leave an inch margin before folding over the pastry to enclose the filling, then press around the edges firmly with your fingers to seal it shut. Crimp edges like a Cornish pasty (or just using fork tines!)
Step 4: Bake
Line a large baking tray with baking paper sheets. Arrange the pasties on top and brush them lightly with beaten egg, sprinkle some paprika (optional) over each top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown all over.
Serve hot or cold – delicious either way!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this lentil pasties recipe is that there are endless opportunities for substitutions and variations to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. Below are some ideas for modifying the recipe:
– Vegan: To make these vegetarian pasties vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil, and use vegan-friendly puff pastry in place of shortcrust pastry.
– Vegetables: If you prefer a different flavor profile, experiment with other vegetables like chopped broccoli stems or chunks of butternut squash. You can also add pumpkin to the lentil vegetable filling to make it even more aromatic.
– Spices: For a more pronounced spice profile, play around with additional spices like curry powder, ground ginger, paprika, or ground cumin. Jamie Oliver’s curried lentil pasties recipe adds curry powder for an extra kick.
– Protein: While lentils are a great source of protein, you can swap them out for chickpeas or black beans if desired. You can also add diced bacon for a meatier option.
– Size: If you want smaller pasties, reduce the size of the circles when cutting out the pastry. Conversely, if you want larger pasties, use bigger circles.
Remember, experimentation is part of the fun of cooking. By tailoring this spiced lentil vegetable pasties recipe to your liking, you’re sure to wrap up a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
Serving and Pairing
Lentil pasties are a satisfying and hearty dish that can steal the spotlight at any meal. They are perfect for lunch or a quick snack, but they can also be served as the main course for dinner. Pair your spiced lentil vegetable pasties with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. A side of sweet potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts will provide a nice balance of flavors.
If you want a heartier meal, serve your vegetarian cornish pasties with mashed potatoes and gravy, or roasted chicken. The spiced lentil pasties also pair well with other protein-rich dishes like hummus, falafel, or Greek yogurt.
For those on a vegan diet, pair these pasties with pumpkin soup or a chickpea and tomato stew. These dishes complement the flavor and texture of the pastry and lend some extra nutrition to the meal.
For those who love to experiment with flavors, try dipping your lentil vegetable pasties in some homemade tomato sauce or salsa. The burst of natural sweetness from fresh tomatoes makes for an excellent contrast to the savory spices in these pasties.
Overall, there are many ways to create delicious meals with lentil pasties that complement their unique taste and texture. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different flavors to find the perfect pairing for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These spiced lentil vegetable pasties are not only easy to make, but they also store and reheat very well. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to eat. If you’re planning on making a large batch for meal prep, consider freezing them after baking.
To store lentil pasties, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to ensure freshness. Stored properly, they can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating pastries can be tricky because some methods can leave them soggy or dry. The best way to reheat lentil pasties is by preheating your oven to 350°F and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on the outside.
I wouldn’t recommend using the microwave since it can make the pastry soggy. Another option is reheating these vegetarian cornish pasties in a pan. Just sprinkle some water onto the surface of the pastry and heat them over low heat for a few minutes on each side.
These spiced lentil vegetable pasties are great for quick meals, picnics, and lunchboxes alike. You will want to keep those leftovers around for an easy and tasty snack you can reheat and eat anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect results with your lentil pasties recipe, there are a few tips that will help you along the way. Here are some of my recommendations:
First, when it comes to preparing the lentil filling for your pasties, make sure to allow enough time for the lentils to cook properly. Dried red lentils can take up to 20-25 minutes to cook fully, so patience is key. They should be soft but not mushy.
Second, keep in mind that lentils require a lot of seasoning to bring out their unique flavors. Use spices like paprika, ground ginger and cumin powder generously. You can also try including curry powder or tomato paste in your lentil mixture for added depth and complexity of flavor.
Third, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables in your pasties. While carrots and onions are classic choices for vegetable pasties, you can also try adding diced butternut squash, pumpkin or broccoli stem for something different. Moroccan carrot and lentil pasties or even curried lentil pasties are great options for those who want a more adventurous twist on traditional veggie pasties.
Fourth, if you’re using pre-made shortcrust pastry or puff pastry for your pasties, be sure to allow it enough time to come to room temperature before using it – this will make it easier to handle and less likely to crack during baking. And when rolling out your pastry, use plenty of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
Fifth, presentation is key! Use baking paper or greaseproof paper on your baking tray to keep the bottom of the pasties smooth and uniform. Brushing with beaten egg before cooking will give them a lovely golden finish.
Finally, it’s best to eat your lentil vegetable pasties while they’re still warm from the oven. But if you have leftovers or want to store them for later, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. The pastry may become softer after storing but can be crisp back up again by reheating them in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for about 5-10 minutes.
By following these tips and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and perfectly baked spiced lentil vegetable pasties every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian or vegan snack, look no further than these spiced lentil pasties. They are packed with flavor, filling and perfect for any occasion. The combination of spices such as paprika, ground ginger, and cumin infuse layers of flavor into the lentil vegetable filling. Not only is it enjoyable to consume, but most importantly, it is also prepared from simple and wholesome ingredients that can be found in any kitchen pantry.
These lentil pasties are perfect for those adhering to meat-free diets or trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diets. Plus, they make an easy and classic option for a family dinner meal outside of snacking.
By investing in some puff pastry sheets, you can always have your freezer stocked with these delicious pasties that you can easily customize with other substitute ingredients. This fabulous recipe satisfies both vegan and vegetarian options.
In the end, the beauty of making pasties is that it provides great optionality among its ingredients. One can always adjust and change according to one’s taste preference – from meaty options such as bacon all the way towards vegetarian pastries like the curried lentils pasty. So why not try making these lentil pasties today? You won’t regret it!
Lentil Pasties Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shortcrust pastry
- 8 ounces onions, peeled and finely chopped
- 8 ounces carrots, peeled and finely diced
- 1 lb cooked lentils (puy)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper
- 1 egg, beaten, for glazing
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Roll out the pastry and cut out 6 circles 8in in diameter.
- Heat the oil and cook the onions and carrots slowly in it until soft.
- Take off the heat and stir in the spices, tomato paste, lentils and seasoning. Divide the mixture between the six circles and crimp the edges together.
- Brush with a little of the beaten egg. Put on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the pastry is golden. Serve hot or cold.