Our guide on How To Make Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie for you to try at home.
Cotechino con Lenticchie is a classic Italian dish traditionally served on New Year’s Eve as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The dish consists of cotechino, a rich and flavorful Italian sausage, served over braised lentils.
Cotechino con Lenticchie is a flavorful and hearty Italian dish, perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something comforting. The tender lentils complement the richness of the cotechino sausage beautifully, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Enjoy this classic dish as the Italians do, with good company and a wish for prosperity in the year to come!
The lentils symbolize coins and are thought to bring wealth in the coming year. Here’s a recipe guide to making Cotechino con Lenticchie at home, with tips to perfect the dish and calorie information.
Read here best Italian food, vegetarian food in Italy, best drinks in Italy and best breakfast in Italy
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How to Make Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie
Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie Recipe Ingredients
For the Cotechino Sausage
1 large cotechino sausage (about 1 lb) – fresh or pre-cooked
For the Lentils
1 1/2 cups dried lentils (green or brown lentils work well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Step By Step How to Make Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie
Prepare the Cotechino Sausage
If using a fresh cotechino sausage, prick it with a fork a few times to prevent it from bursting during cooking. Place the sausage in a large pot of cold water.
Pre-Cooked Cotechino: If using pre-cooked cotechino, follow the package instructions for reheating, usually by boiling the vacuum-sealed sausage in water.
Simmer the Cotechino: Bring the pot with the sausage to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours if fresh (or about 30-45 minutes if pre-cooked). This slow cooking will make the sausage tender and flavorful.
Prepare the Lentils
While the cotechino is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
Rinse and drain the lentils, then add them to the skillet. Stir in the bay leaf and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Remove the bay leaf, and season the lentils with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve
Slice the Cotechino: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the water, slice it into 1/2-inch thick pieces, and arrange the slices over the lentils.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the cotechino with lentils warm.
Tips To Make Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie
Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and provide a nice texture to complement the richness of the sausage. A bay leaf is classic, but you can also add a sprig of rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.
Cooking the cotechino sausage slowly over low heat ensures it remains tender and prevents it from bursting. Fresh vegetables and quality broth enhance the flavor of the lentils.
How Many Calories Have Italian Lentils Cotechino con Lenticchie
Calories: 450-500 kcal
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Serving Suggestions
Cotechino con Lenticchie is often served with simple sides to balance its rich flavors, such as:
Roasted or steamed vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or sautéed spinach work well.
Crusty Italian bread: Perfect for soaking up the juices from the lentils and sausage.
Polenta: For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy polenta.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.