Vegan Lentil Ghost Pastries (Halloween Puff Pastry Pies)

Looking for an easy, fun and nutritious Halloween recipe for kids? These vegan lentil ghost pastries are a spooky twist on a classic savoury pastry, made with ready-rolled vegan puff pastry and a tasty lentil filling. Shaped like little ghosts, they are a fun Halloween snack for children and a practical way to introduce plant-based ingredients in a familiar, approachable format.

The filling combines brown lentils, onion, grated carrot, tomato purée, curry powder and dried mixed herbs. The result is a savoury, flavourful filling wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry. The vegetables soften as they cook, while the lentils provide a source of plant-based protein and fibre.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You do not need complicated ingredients, specialist equipment or hours in the kitchen. Tinned lentils make preparation quicker, and ready-rolled pastry means you can concentrate on making the filling and creating your ghost shapes.

These Halloween lentil pastries are particularly useful for families looking for creative ways to serve nutritious foods to children who are selective about what they eat. Their familiar pastry exterior, playful appearance and small, manageable portions can make them an appealing addition to a Halloween tea, lunchbox or party platter.

They are also suitable for adults. Serve them alongside a salad, vegetable sticks or a warming soup for an easy autumn lunch.

As a vegan recipe, they contain no meat, eggs or dairy when made with suitable ingredients. They are also an excellent opportunity to explore how everyday plant foods can contribute to a varied, balanced diet.

Whether you are planning a Halloween party, looking for a savoury alternative to sweets or simply want a fun cooking activity to enjoy with your children, these vegan lentil ghost pastries are a delicious option.

Dietitians take

Halloween recipes do not have to be limited to sweets, biscuits and chocolate. Although there is absolutely room for these foods in a balanced diet, seasonal occasions can also be an opportunity to make everyday meals fun, involve children in food preparation and explore a wider variety of ingredients.

These lentil ghost pastries combine a familiar food with a plant-based filling containing pulses and vegetables. This can be particularly helpful when cooking for children who are cautious about trying unfamiliar foods.

Why lentils are a useful ingredient for children

Lentils are pulses that provide plant-based protein, fibre, iron and several other important nutrients.

Protein supports children’s growth and development, while iron is essential for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Iron is particularly important during periods of rapid growth.

Fibre contributes to normal bowel function and can help support a healthy digestive system. Lentils also provide folate, which is involved in cell division and normal blood formation.

However, the nutritional value of a meal is only one part of feeding children. How food looks, smells, feels and tastes can influence whether a child feels comfortable exploring it.

For a child who prefers familiar foods, a pastry may be more approachable than a bowl of lentils. Pairing a familiar format with a new or less familiar filling can provide an opportunity for gradual food exploration.

It is important to remember that children do not need to eat a particular food simply because it is nutritious. Repeated, low-pressure exposure to different foods can help children become more familiar with them over time.

Making food fun without pressure

The ghost shapes make these pastries suitable for Halloween, but the same principle can be used throughout the year. Cutting sandwiches into stars, making vegetable faces or serving foods in small portions can add interest without requiring you to prepare entirely separate meals.

For selective eaters, consider offering the pastries alongside one or two familiar foods. This helps ensure there is something they recognise while allowing them to decide whether they want to explore the new food.

Avoid making eating the pastry a condition of receiving dessert or praising children excessively for eating particular foods. A neutral, relaxed approach can help keep mealtimes positive.

Children can also be involved in age-appropriate parts of the preparation, such as helping to mix the filling, brushing pastry with oil or choosing the shape of their ghosts.

The aim is not to guarantee that every child will eat lentils. Instead, it is to create enjoyable opportunities to become familiar with different foods.

A note on vegan nutrition

A well-planned vegan diet can provide the nutrients children need, but some nutrients require particular attention, including vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids.

These pastries contribute some protein and iron, but they should be considered part of a varied diet rather than a complete source of everything a growing child needs.

For vegan children, ensure that vitamin B12 is reliably provided through appropriate fortified foods or supplementation, and consider the child’s overall diet when planning other nutrients.

Why you’ll love this recipe

1. A fun Halloween recipe for kids

The ghost shapes make these pastries a playful addition to Halloween celebrations. They are ideal for a Halloween tea, party platter or seasonal lunch.

You can keep the design simple or let older children help create different ghost shapes. Each pastry can have its own character, making this a fun activity as well as a recipe.

2. A savoury alternative to Halloween sweets

Halloween often features plenty of sweet treats, so it can be useful to have a savoury option available too.

These pastries offer a combination of pastry, lentils and vegetables, making them suitable for a light meal, snack or party spread.

There is no need to avoid sweets to enjoy a balanced diet. Rather, having a variety of foods available allows children to experience different flavours and textures throughout the day.

3. A useful recipe for selective eaters

If your child is reluctant to try lentils or vegetables, serving them inside a familiar pastry may be worth exploring.

The golden pastry provides a recognisable exterior, while the filling introduces lentils, onion and carrot in a different format.

Every child is different, and some may prefer the pastry without the filling or may not want to try it at all. That is okay. You can offer the food without pressure and allow your child to decide whether to explore it.

4. An easy way to include pulses

Pulses are nutritious, versatile ingredients, but it can take some experimentation to find ways your family enjoys eating them.

Using tinned brown lentils reduces preparation time and makes this recipe more accessible on busy weekdays.

Once you have made the filling, it can be enclosed in pastry and baked until golden.

5. Simple, everyday ingredients

You do not need specialist Halloween ingredients or expensive alternatives.

Ready-rolled vegan puff pastry, tinned brown lentils, onion, carrot, tomato purée, olive oil, curry powder and dried mixed herbs form the basis of the recipe.

Most of these ingredients are easy to find in UK supermarkets, making the pastries a practical choice for a last-minute Halloween meal.

6. Easy to adapt

You can adjust the herbs and spices to suit your family’s preferences. For children who dislike strong flavours, start with a small amount of curry powder and increase it in future batches if desired.

You can also experiment with different vegetables or use alternative pastry shapes for other occasions.

7. Suitable for batch cooking

Making a batch means you can have several pastries ready for lunches, snacks or quick meals.

They are particularly convenient when you want something that can be served warm or packed for later, subject to appropriate storage and food-safety guidance.

Nutritional benefits

These vegan lentil ghost pastries combine a carbohydrate-rich pastry with pulses and vegetables. The exact nutritional values will depend on the pastry brand, the amount of oil used, the size of the pastries and how many portions you make.

Lentils: plant-based protein and fibre

Brown lentils are the main nutritional ingredient in the filling.

They provide plant-based protein, which contributes to normal growth and tissue maintenance. Lentils also contain fibre, which supports normal bowel function.

Including pulses regularly can help increase the variety of plant foods in the diet. They are versatile ingredients that work in soups, stews, curries, sauces and savoury fillings.

Tinned lentils are a convenient option. Drain and rinse them before use to remove the packing liquid and help achieve the desired consistency.

Iron for growth and development

Lentils provide non-haem iron, the form of iron found in plant foods.

Iron is needed for normal cognitive development in children and contributes to the formation of haemoglobin. However, the amount of iron absorbed by the body depends on several factors, including the composition of the meal and an individual’s iron status.

Plant-based iron is generally less readily absorbed than haem iron from meat and fish, so food combinations can be useful.

For example, serving these pastries with a source of vitamin C can help improve non-haem iron absorption. You could offer fruit such as kiwi or strawberries, or vegetables such as red pepper, alongside the pastries.

You do not need to add vitamin C to every meal, but including a variety of fruit and vegetables across the day is a useful approach.

Carrot: beta-carotene

Carrots provide beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

Vitamin A contributes to normal vision, immune function and the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes.

Grating the carrot helps it soften during cooking and allows it to blend into the lentil filling. This can be useful when you want to introduce vegetables into a familiar recipe.

However, adding grated carrot to a filling does not mean that a child will necessarily eat it, and it is not a substitute for offering vegetables in other forms.

Onion: flavour and variety

Onions contribute flavour and aroma to the filling. Cooking them in a little olive oil softens their texture and develops their natural sweetness.

They also provide small amounts of various plant compounds. Although onions contribute to the overall variety of plant foods in the recipe, their main role here is to provide flavour and help create a satisfying filling.

Tomato purée: concentrated tomato flavour

Tomato purée adds a rich, savoury taste and helps bind the filling together.

Tomatoes contain carotenoids, including lycopene, as well as other naturally occurring plant compounds.

The amount of tomato purée used in this recipe is relatively small, so it is best viewed as a flavouring ingredient rather than a major source of a particular nutrient.

Olive oil: unsaturated fat

Olive oil is used to soften the onion and carrot before adding the lentils.

It provides predominantly monounsaturated fat, an unsaturated fat that can form part of a balanced diet.

Using a little oil also helps develop the flavour of the vegetables. The quantity you use will influence the overall energy and fat content of the recipe.

Puff pastry: energy and texture

Puff pastry provides the flaky, golden exterior that makes these pastries appealing.

It contributes carbohydrates and fat, although the exact amounts vary considerably between brands. Vegan puff pastry can be made using different vegetable fats, so check the nutrition information and ingredient list for the product you choose.

The pastry also contributes energy, which is important for growing children. There is no need to remove pastry from a child’s diet simply because it contains fat or is more energy-dense than some other foods.

The nutritional contribution of these pastries comes from the combination of ingredients. They are one component of a varied diet rather than a food that needs to meet every nutritional requirement on its own.

Ingredient swaps and substitutions

One of the advantages of this recipe is that the filling is flexible. Here are some ways to adapt it to your family’s preferences and the ingredients you have available.

Ready-rolled vegan puff pastry

Ready-rolled vegan puff pastry keeps preparation simple and creates the flaky texture associated with savoury pastries.

Check the packaging to ensure the pastry is suitable for vegans, as not every puff pastry product is dairy-free.

You can also use a different vegan pastry if you prefer, although the texture and baking time may vary.

For a non-Halloween version, cut the pastry into circles, rectangles or simple hand pies.

Tinned brown lentils

Brown lentils work well because they hold their shape while still being easy to mash slightly into the filling.

You can substitute green lentils if that is what you have available. Cooked green lentils may have a firmer texture, so chop or lightly mash them if you want a more cohesive filling.

If using dried lentils, cook them fully before making the filling. Do not add uncooked lentils directly to the pastry mixture.

Chickpeas could also be used, although they will produce a different texture and flavour. Mash them well so the filling is easier to enclose.

Onion

A large onion adds flavour and moisture.

If your child dislikes noticeable pieces of onion, dice it finely and cook it until soft. You can also use a smaller quantity if you prefer a milder flavour.

The onion should be cooked before being added to the pastry to help prevent the filling from releasing too much moisture during baking.

Grated carrot

Carrot adds colour, sweetness and variety.

You can substitute grated courgette, finely chopped mushrooms or another vegetable your family enjoys. If using vegetables with a high water content, cook them until excess moisture has evaporated.

Finely chopped spinach can also work, although it should be cooked and drained well before being mixed into the filling.

Tomato purée

Tomato purée adds depth and helps bring the filling together.

If you do not have any, you can omit it, although the filling may taste less rich. Avoid adding too much liquid in its place, as a wet filling can make puff pastry difficult to seal and may leave the base soggy.

Curry powder

Curry powder adds warmth and savoury flavour.

For children who prefer milder foods, start with a small amount. You can increase it gradually in later batches if your family enjoys the flavour.

Alternatively, use a little paprika or leave out the curry powder and rely on the dried mixed herbs.

Spices do not need to be avoided simply because a recipe is intended for children. The important consideration is the individual child’s preferences and tolerance.

Dried mixed herbs

Dried mixed herbs complement the lentils and vegetables.

You can substitute dried oregano, thyme or a small amount of dried parsley. If you prefer a stronger flavour, adjust the herbs to taste.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used to cook the vegetables.

Rapeseed oil or another suitable cooking oil can be used instead. You only need enough to soften the vegetables without making the filling greasy.

Dietitian tips

1. Keep the filling relatively dry

One of the most important practical tips for successful puff pastry pies is to avoid a watery filling.

Cook the onion and carrot until softened, then add the drained lentils, tomato purée and seasonings.

If the mixture seems wet, continue cooking it for a few minutes until excess moisture has evaporated.

Allow the filling to cool before assembling the pastries. Hot filling can soften the pastry and make it more difficult to handle.

2. Mash some of the lentils if needed

If your child prefers a smoother texture, lightly mash some or all of the lentils with a fork.

You do not necessarily need to blend the entire filling. A mixture of mashed and whole lentils can provide a softer texture while retaining some structure.

For children who prefer clearly separated foods, you may find that serving the filling separately from the pastry is more acceptable. Follow your child’s cues rather than insisting that the filling must be enclosed.

3. Make the ghosts together

Children can help with age-appropriate tasks such as mixing the cooled filling, choosing pastry shapes or brushing the pastry with a little oil.

Adults should handle sharp knives, hot pans and the oven.

Cooking together can provide opportunities to explore the appearance, smell and texture of foods without the expectation that children must eat them.

4. Avoid overfilling the pastry

It can be tempting to add as much filling as possible, but overfilled pastries are more likely to open during baking.

Use a modest amount of filling, leave enough space around the edges and press the pastry together firmly.

If the filling is escaping, reduce the quantity slightly or allow the mixture to cool further before assembling the next batch.

5. Adapt the flavour gradually

If your family is not used to curry powder, start with a mild flavour profile.

You can make the basic recipe first and experiment with the seasoning in future batches. There is no requirement to make children’s food completely bland, but familiar flavours can be a useful starting point.

6. Offer alongside familiar foods

For selective eaters, try serving a ghost pastry alongside foods your child usually accepts.

This might include cucumber sticks, sweetcorn, fruit or another familiar side dish.

There is no need to insist that a child eats the pastry before they can have other foods. Repeated, pressure-free opportunities to see and explore a food are more useful than turning it into a mealtime battle.

7. Make a batch for busy days

These pastries can be prepared ahead of time, which is useful during busy family weeks.

Cool cooked pastries promptly, refrigerate them in a covered container and follow standard food-safety guidance for leftovers. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot, then allow them to cool to a safe eating temperature before serving to children.

If freezing, cool the pastries first and package them appropriately. Defrost safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly, or follow the instructions for your chosen storage method.

8. Consider the overall meal

Although these pastries provide plant-based protein and iron, the overall nutritional value of a meal depends on what else is eaten across the day.

You could serve them with vegetables and a vitamin C-rich fruit to complement the iron in the lentils.

For children following a vegan diet, remember that vitamin B12 and other nutrients require particular attention beyond what this recipe provides.

Frequently asked questions

Are these lentil ghost pastries suitable for fussy eaters?

They may be a useful option for children who enjoy pastry or savoury pies but are less familiar with lentils.

The playful ghost shape and familiar pastry texture can make the recipe interesting, while the filling provides an opportunity to explore pulses and vegetables.

However, every child is different. Some children may prefer the filling served separately or may not want to try the pastries at all. Offer them without pressure and continue providing a range of familiar and less familiar foods.

Are these vegan Halloween pastries?

Yes. They are made using ready-rolled vegan puff pastry, lentils, vegetables, olive oil, tomato purée and seasonings.

Check the ingredient labels on your pastry and other packaged ingredients to ensure they meet your requirements.

Can I make these pastries without curry powder?

Yes. You can omit the curry powder and use dried mixed herbs for a milder flavour.

Alternatively, add a little paprika or another seasoning your family enjoys.

Can I use dried lentils instead of tinned lentils?

Yes. Cook the dried lentils according to the packet instructions before using them in the filling.

Drain any excess liquid and allow the lentils to cool slightly. The finished mixture should be thick enough to enclose in pastry without leaking.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes. You can prepare the lentil filling in advance, cool it promptly and store it in the refrigerator in a covered container.

Use it within a safe storage period, and make sure it is cool before assembling the pastries. This helps keep the pastry easier to handle.

Can I freeze lentil ghost pastries?

Yes, these pastries can be frozen.

For best results, cool cooked pastries before freezing them in a suitable airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and follow appropriate food-safety guidance.

Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly until piping hot. Allow the pastries to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pastries closer to baking time.

Alternatively, bake them ahead and reheat them before serving. Puff pastry is generally at its crispest when freshly baked, but reheating can help restore some of its texture.

What can I serve with lentil ghost pastries?

They work well with vegetable sticks, a simple salad, sweetcorn, fruit or vegetable soup.

For a family meal, add a range of foods that provide different textures, flavours and nutrients. A vitamin C-rich fruit or vegetable can complement the non-haem iron in the lentils.

Are lentils a good source of iron for vegan children?

Yes. Lentils provide non-haem iron, which contributes to children’s dietary iron intake.

Including a variety of iron-containing plant foods and pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods can help support iron absorption. However, the amount of iron a child needs and the adequacy of their intake depend on their age, diet and individual circumstances.

Can I make these pastries without vegetables?

You can adapt the filling, although the onion and carrot contribute flavour and variety to the original recipe.

If your child is not comfortable with the vegetables, try finely dicing and softening them thoroughly or changing the proportions. You could also serve a familiar filling alongside a small amount of the lentil mixture.

The goal is to find an approach that works for your family without making eating more stressful.

Are these pastries suitable for toddlers?

They may be suitable for toddlers who can manage the texture, provided the pastry and filling are prepared and served appropriately.

Allow the pastries to cool before serving. Cut them into manageable pieces suited to your child’s developmental stage, and supervise children while they eat.

Always consider your child’s individual chewing and swallowing abilities, and adapt the texture and portion size accordingly.

How can I make these ghost pastries look more like ghosts?

Use a ghost-shaped cutter if you have one, or cut simple ghost outlines using a suitable knife.

Place the filling in the centre of one pastry shape, cover with another shape if desired and press the edges together firmly.

You can also make simpler hand pies if you do not have a ghost cutter. The recipe will still work, even if the shapes are less spooky.

Ingredients and how to make

Ingredients

This recipe uses eight main ingredients. The exact quantities of puff pastry and lentils will determine how many pastries you can make, so adjust the amount of filling to suit the pastry you have available.

• Ready-rolled vegan puff pastry
• 1 tin of brown lentils, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 large carrot, grated
• Olive oil, for frying
• Curry powder, to taste
• Dried mixed herbs, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the vegetables

Finely dice the onion and grate the carrot.

Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally.

Add the grated carrot and continue cooking until it begins to soften.

2. Make the lentil filling

Drain and rinse the tinned brown lentils.

Add the lentils to the frying pan with the tomato purée, curry powder and dried mixed herbs. Stir well to combine.

Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavours to develop and any excess moisture to evaporate.

Lightly mash some of the lentils if you prefer a softer, more cohesive filling.

Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

3. Prepare the pastry

Preheat the oven according to the instructions on your puff pastry packaging.

Unroll the ready-rolled vegan puff pastry onto a clean work surface.

Cut out ghost shapes using a suitable cutter, or carefully cut simple ghost outlines with a knife. You will need pairs of shapes if you want to enclose the filling between two pieces of pastry.

4. Assemble the ghost pastries

Place a small amount of the cooled lentil filling in the centre of each pastry shape, leaving a clear border around the edges.

Cover with another pastry shape and press around the edges to seal.

Avoid overfilling, as too much filling can cause the pastry to open during baking.

If you prefer a simpler design, make individual ghost-shaped pastries with a smaller amount of filling and fold the pastry over it.

5. Bake until golden

Arrange the pastries on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Bake according to the pastry manufacturer’s instructions, until the pastry is puffed up and golden and the filling is piping hot.

The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of the pastries, so check them regularly towards the end of cooking.

6. Cool and serve

Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool before serving.

The filling will be very hot immediately after baking, so check the temperature carefully, particularly when serving young children.

Serve warm with your favourite vegetables, salad or fruit.

This recipe is…

• Vegan
• Plant-based
• Dairy-free when made with suitable ingredients
• Egg-free when made with suitable ingredients
• A source of plant-based protein
• A source of fibre
• A source of iron
• Suitable for Halloween parties and seasonal meals
• Adaptable for family lunches, snacks and light meals

Always check the ingredient labels of packaged products if you are catering for allergies or specific dietary requirements.

Variations

Mild lentil and vegetable ghost pastries

For children who prefer mild flavours, reduce or omit the curry powder.

Keep the onion and carrot, along with the tomato purée and dried herbs, to create a savoury filling with a gentler flavour.

Lentil and spinach pastries

Add a small amount of finely chopped spinach to the filling.

Cook it until wilted and ensure any excess moisture has evaporated before assembling the pastries. Spinach adds variety to the vegetable ingredients, although the overall nutritional contribution will depend on the amount used.

Lentil and sweetcorn pastries

Add a small amount of drained sweetcorn to the cooked lentil mixture.

The sweetcorn provides a different texture and a naturally sweet flavour that some children may enjoy.

Chop or mash the filling as needed to achieve a texture suitable for the people eating it.

Lentil hand pies

If you do not have a ghost-shaped cutter, make simple rectangles or half-moon pastries.

Place the filling on one half of each pastry piece, fold over and seal the edges. Bake according to the pastry instructions.

These are suitable throughout the year and can be served as a lunchbox option or an easy family meal.

Mini lentil pastries

Use smaller pastry shapes and reduce the amount of filling in each one.

Mini pastries are useful for party platters or meals where you want to offer a selection of different foods.

Ensure the portions are appropriate for the age and eating abilities of the children you are serving.

Extra-herby lentil pastries

If your family prefers herbs to spices, leave out the curry powder and use dried mixed herbs with a little extra tomato purée if needed.

You can also experiment with dried oregano or thyme.

Lentil and mushroom pastries

Finely chop mushrooms and cook them with the onion before adding the lentils.

Allow the mushrooms to release their moisture and cook until the mixture is relatively dry. This creates a deeper, savoury flavour.

If your child is unfamiliar with mushrooms, you can offer the variation alongside the original recipe rather than replacing a familiar food without warning.

Serving suggestions

These vegan lentil ghost pastries can be served in several ways, depending on whether you are planning a Halloween party, a family lunch or an easy evening meal.

For a Halloween party

Arrange the ghost pastries on a platter with a selection of familiar foods.

You could add cucumber sticks, red pepper strips, sweetcorn, fruit pieces and other savoury snacks to create a colourful spread.

Offering several options can help children choose what they feel comfortable eating while providing opportunities to explore different foods.

For a family lunch

Serve two or more pastries, depending on their size and individual appetite, alongside a simple salad or vegetable sticks.

You could also serve them with a bowl of vegetable soup for a warming autumn lunch.

Allow children to decide how much they want to eat from what is offered, and consider their appetite and activity levels when planning portions.

For a Halloween tea

Include the pastries as one option alongside other family favourites.

A meal does not need to be perfectly balanced in every single component. The overall pattern of food eaten across the day and week matters more than expecting every recipe to provide every nutrient.

To complement the iron in lentils

Offer a vitamin C-rich food alongside the pastries.

Strawberries, kiwi, orange segments and red pepper are possible options, depending on your child’s preferences and age-appropriate preparation requirements.

Vitamin C can improve the absorption of non-haem iron from plant foods, making this a useful combination in a vegan diet.

For selective eaters

Serve the pastries with one or two familiar foods rather than creating a separate meal if possible.

Keep the presentation relaxed and avoid requiring children to taste the filling.

Some children may initially interact with a new food by looking at it, touching it or smelling it. These can be steps towards familiarity, even if they do not eat it on the first occasion.

More recipes you’ll love

If you enjoyed these vegan lentil ghost pastries, you might also enjoy exploring other family-friendly plant-based recipes.

Made this recipe?

If you make these vegan lentil ghost pastries, I would love to hear how they turned out!

Did you make the ghost shapes, try a different pastry design or adapt the filling to suit your family?

Leave a comment or rating below and share your favourite variation. Your feedback helps other families discover simple, practical plant-based recipes.

If you share your pastries on Instagram, tag me so I can see your spooky creations.

Happy Halloween!