Beef & Fetta Meatballs with Kale Pesto Pasta

FETA BEEF MEATBALLS
Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

A common tasty, quick and easy dinner is pesto pasta, however picking up a packet of pasta and a jar of pesto is usually not a low FODMAP option, so here is a great alternative! 

This recipe may take a little more time but it is worth it, and a favourite in my household. The original recipe from www.taste.com.au was easily modified to make it low in FODMAPs but still with plenty of familiar flavours you'll love. 

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ingredients

Lean beef mince

500 g 17.6 oz

Feta cheese

80 g 2.8 oz

2 slices Monash FODMAP certified bread, made into breadcrumbs

70 g 2.5 oz

2½  tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped

4 g 0.1 oz

1⅓  tbsp tomato paste

14 g 0.5 oz

cherry tomatoes

250 g 8.8 oz

Gluten free pasta

375 g 13.2 oz

Red wine vinegar, to drizzle

Chopped kale

40 g 1.4 oz

⅓ cup firmly packed basil leaves

5 g 0.2 oz

⅓ cup finely grated pecorino

25 g 0.9 oz

1⅓  tbsp garlic-infused olive oil

18 g 0.6 oz

Olive oil

55 g 1.9 oz

1⅓  tbsp lemon juice

20 g 0.7 oz

3 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

42 g 1.5 oz

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C/428°F. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 

  2. Make the pesto by placing kale, pecorino, pepitas and basil in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. With the motor running, gradually add the oil and lemon juice in a thin, steady stream until combined and set aside. 

  3. Combine mince, fetta, breadcrumbs, parsley and tomato paste in a bowl and season. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on the lined tray and spray with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes then turn and add the tomatoes to the try and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. 

  4. Whilst meatballs are in the oven, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Just before draining the pasta, reserve ⅓ cup of cooking liquid (this helps the pesto stick to the pasta and makes a creamy sauce).

  5. Place drained past back into cooking pot and add the pesto and reserved liquid, portion out and evenly distribute the meatballs and tomatoes on top and drizzle with a small amount of red wine vinegar for a little zing.

Nutrition Information (per serve)
Energy 2590 Kj / 619 cal
Protein 44.00g
Carbohydrates 9.00g
Sugar 2.70g
Total Fat 44.00g
Saturated Fat 12.50g
Fibre 2.90g
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