Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto

Name: Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pkg. (375 g) Catelli Whole Grains Penne; 1 Green zucchini, cut 3-inches in length and 1/4-inch thick; 1 Yellow zucchini, cut 3-inches in length and 1/4-inch thick; 1 Red pepper, cut into 8 thick strips; 2 (30 ml) tbsp extra virgin olive oil; Salt, pepper and crushed dried red chilies to taste; Kale Pesto: Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto - Kale Pesto:; 2 (500 g) cups Kale, leaves only, roughly chopped; 4 Garlic cloves; 1/4 (35 g) cup Almonds; 1/3 (80 ml) cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 (33 g) cup Asiago cheese, grated; 1 (15 ml) tbsp Lemon zest, finely grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Lentil Meatballs Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto - Lentil Meatballs; 2 (30 ml) tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 5 Garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 (50 g) cup Shallots, minced; 2 (400 g) cups Lentils, cooked and cooled; 1 tsbp (15 ) ml Tomato paste; 2 Eggs; 1/2 (15 g) cup Fresh basil leaves; 1 (15 ml) tbsp Fresh tarragon leaves; 1/2 (7.5 ml) tbsp Dried oregano; 1/2 (15 g) cup Flat leaf parsley; 1/2 (50 g) cup Asiago cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste

A Vegetarian Approach to the Classic Meatball This veggie-friendly version of an iconic pasta pairing will have even the most traditional pasta lover reaching for their lentils at home.

Healthy Vegetarian Short

Key visual of a Catelli recipe, featuring a freshly prepared dish styled for serving and enjoyment.

Prep time

30 minutes

Cook time

30 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Catelli Whole Grains Penne Rigate

Ingredients

4 servings

1 pkg. (375 g) Catelli Whole Grains Penne

1Green zucchini, cut 3-inches in length and 1/4-inch thick

1Yellow zucchini, cut 3-inches in length and 1/4-inch thick

1Red pepper, cut into 8 thick strips

2 (30 ml) tbspextra virgin olive oil

Salt, pepper and crushed dried red chilies to taste

Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto - Kale Pesto:

2 (500 g) cupsKale, leaves only, roughly chopped

4Garlic cloves

1/4 (35 g) cupAlmonds

1/3 (80 ml) cupextra virgin olive oil

1/3 (33 g) cupAsiago cheese, grated

1 (15 ml) tbspLemon zest, finely grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Whole Wheat Penne and Lentil Meatballs with Lemon & Kale Pesto - Lentil Meatballs

2 (30 ml) tbspextra virgin olive oil

5Garlic cloves, minced

1/2 (50 g) cupShallots, minced

2 (400 g) cupsLentils, cooked and cooled

1 tsbp (15 ) mlTomato paste

2Eggs

1/2 (15 g) cupFresh basil leaves

1 (15 ml) tbspFresh tarragon leaves

1/2 (7.5 ml) tbspDried oregano

1/2 (15 g) cupFlat leaf parsley

1/2 (50 g) cupAsiago cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Disclaimer

Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.

Method

Step 1

Boil kale in a large pot for 1 minute until bright green. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Drain again and transfer kale to a blender.

Step 2

Add garlic and almonds to blender, and pulse until chopped. Add oil and process until smooth. Add cheese and lemon zest and mix until a uniform consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and sauté until translucent, approximately 2-3 mins.

Step 5

In a food processor, combine lentils, tomato paste, eggs, garlic, shallots, basil, tarragon, oregano, parsley and cheese. Pulse the mixture until combined, but not completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Scoop tablespoon-size amounts of the mixture and form into about 20 balls with wet hands, pressing to help them stick together. Place on a non-stick tray and roast in oven until cooked through and hot in the centre, about 20 minutes.

Step 7

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Step 8

Lightly sauté zucchini and pepper in a pan over medium heat with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes. Remove pan from heat and add pasta.

Step 9

Add pesto to pasta mixture and toss to coat. Top with meatballs and serve.