Looking for a meat-free snack that’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor?

These Mary Berry Lentil Rolls bring a comforting twist to traditional sausage rolls using a rich lentil and vegetable filling wrapped in golden puff pastry. These rolls are ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or as an impressive party appetizer. You’ll love how simple and budget-friendly they are—yet so satisfying.

What are Mary Berry Lentil Rolls?

Mary Berry Lentil Rolls are a vegetarian version of sausage rolls, made by stuffing flaky puff pastry with a seasoned lentil mixture. The filling typically includes green or brown lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and savory herbs. Once wrapped and baked, the result is a crisp, golden roll filled with a moist and flavorful plant-based filling.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Perfect for vegetarians – A meatless option without sacrificing taste
Make-ahead friendly – Freeze before or after baking
Great for kids and adults – Mild seasoning and fun finger food format
Portable and versatile – Ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or appetizers
Economic – Lentils are affordable, nutritious, and filling
Customizable – Add your favorite herbs or cheese variations

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

For the filling:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 carrot, grated
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (or 1 tin, drained and rinsed)
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tsp soy sauce
½ tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 egg (for binding or use flax egg for a vegan option)

For the pastry:

1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry (or homemade if preferred)
1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
Optional: sesame or poppy seeds for topping

Equipment Needed

Frying pan
Mixing bowl
Baking tray
Pastry brush
Sharp knife
Parchment paper

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, carrot, and celery for 5–6 minutes until soft.
Add lentils, tomato purée, soy sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Mix in a beaten egg to help bind the filling.

Step 2: Preheat and prepare pastry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into two long strips.

Step 3: Assemble the rolls

Spoon the lentil mixture along one side of each pastry strip.
Fold over the pastry and press the edges to seal.
Use a fork to crimp the edges and slice each log into mini rolls (about 2-inch pieces).

Step 4: Bake until golden

Place rolls on a lined baking tray. Brush tops with beaten egg yolk.
Sprinkle with seeds if using.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and serve

Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Tomato chutney – Adds a sweet and tangy contrast
Creamy coleslaw – Offers crunch and freshness
Mixed green salad – Lightens up the dish
Roasted vegetables – Complement the earthy flavor of lentils
Yogurt dip or raita – Cools down the spice if added
Soup or broth – Makes it a more filling meal
Hot English mustard – Adds a punchy kick

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Use cold pastry – Keeps it flaky when baking
Don’t overfill – Prevents leaking and sogginess
Let the filling cool – Warm filling can soften pastry
Chill before baking – Helps the rolls hold their shape
Use egg wash – Gives a glossy, golden finish
Freeze unbaked rolls – Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
Season generously – Lentils absorb flavor, so don’t skimp on herbs and spices

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Add cheese to the filling – Grated cheddar or feta works well
Make it spicy – Stir in chili flakes or harissa paste
Use red lentils – Cook them until soft for a smoother filling
Add mushrooms – Finely chopped for an umami boost
Swap pastry for filo – For a crispier texture
Make them vegan – Use flax egg and plant-based pastry
Serve mini-style – Perfect for canapés or party platters

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Cool completely before storing – Prevents sogginess
Refrigerate in an airtight container – Lasts up to 3 days
Use parchment between layers – Avoids sticking
Freeze for longer storage – Wrap individually or in portions

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Lentil Rolls

Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes until crisp
Air fryer: 5–7 minutes at 180°C for a quick reheat
Avoid microwave: It can make the pastry soggy
Reheat from frozen: Add 5–10 extra minutes in the oven

How Can I Make Mary Berry Lentil Rolls Healthier?

Use whole-wheat pastry – Higher fiber content
Reduce added salt – Use herbs for flavor
Skip the egg wash – Cut down on cholesterol
Add spinach or kale – Boosts nutrients in the filling
Use light puff pastry – Lower in fat
Bake on parchment paper without oil – For easy cleanup
Control portion size – Make mini rolls for lighter snacking

Nutrition Value (per roll, approx.):

Calories: 180
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g

FAQs

What type of lentils work best for Mary Berry Lentil Rolls?

Red lentils are ideal because they cook quickly and break down easily, creating a soft, cohesive filling that pairs well with pastry.

How do I keep the pastry from going soggy in lentil rolls?

Allow the lentil mixture to cool completely before adding it to the pastry. Using a baking sheet lined with parchment and preheating the oven also helps ensure a crisp base.

Can I make lentil rolls ahead of time and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them raw and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when lentil rolls are cooked properly?

Bake until the pastry is golden and crisp, typically around 25–30 minutes at 200°C (180°C fan). The filling should be hot throughout, and the pastry should hold its shape.

Final Words

These Mary Berry Lentil Rolls are proof that plant-based snacks can be just as indulgent and comforting as their meat-filled counterparts. With a flaky golden crust and a hearty lentil filling, they’re perfect for every occasion—from lunchboxes to lazy weekend snacks. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—you’ll find endless reasons to make it again and again.