Lentil No-Meatballs with Linguine and Pesto
A hearty, plant-based dish featuring lentil no-meatballs served with linguine and coriander pesto, topped with a citrus dressing.
Ingredients
For the Lentil No-Meatballs
- 1cuplentils (soaked for 15 mins)
- 2bay leaves
- 1tspcumin powder
- 1tspcoriander powder
- 1/2tspturmeric powder
- 1tspchili flakes
- 1small onion, finely diced
- 2clovegarlic, minced
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1/2cupall-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 1tbspolive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing
- 1lemon, juiced
- 1/2orange, juiced
- pinchof salt
- pinchof chili flakes
For the Linguine and Pesto
- 200glinguine pasta
- 3tbspcoriander pesto
How to make Lentil No-Meatballs with Linguine and Pesto
Cook the Lentils
Rinse the soaked lentils and transfer them to an electric pressure cooker. Add double the amount of water, bay leaves, and a sprig of rosemary (optional).
Set to High Pressure (Manual) and cook for 24 minutes. Let the steam release naturally for another 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Lentil Mixture
Drain the lentils and remove bay leaves. Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher, leaving some texture.
Mix in cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili flakes, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour. Add olive oil and combine thoroughly.
Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Form and Cook the No-Meatballs
Roll the lentil mixture into golf-sized balls.
Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or shallow fry in a pan with oil until golden and crispy on all sides.
Cook the Linguine
Boil linguine in salted water according to packet instructions. Drain and toss with coriander pesto.
Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together lemon juice, orange juice, a pinch of salt, and chili flakes.
Serve
Plate the linguine and top with the lentil no-meatballs. Drizzle the citrus dressing over the top and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, add a sprig of rosemary while cooking the lentils.
Chilling the lentil mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to form into balls.
