Cotechino with Lentils Recipe (Cotechino con Lenticchie)
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
This hearty Italian dish, Cotechino con Lenticchie, is a classic for special occasions, especially New Year’s Eve, symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. The rich flavors of the cotechino, a traditional Italian pork sausage, are beautifully complemented by the earthy taste of lentils. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a comforting dish perfect for any festive meal.
Ingredients for Cotechino with Lentils
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cotechino (precooked) | 300g |
| Dried lentils | 300g |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Carrot | 1 |
| White onion | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 35g |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | 2 |
| Vegetable broth | 500g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Sodium | ~500mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation.
Instructions for Preparing Cotechino with Lentils
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Soak the Lentils:
- Begin by placing the dried lentils in a bowl and covering them with cold water. Allow the lentils to soak for 2 hours. This step is essential for softening the lentils and reducing their cooking time.
-
Cook the Cotechino:
- While the lentils soak, prepare the cotechino. Check the instructions on the cotechino package, as cooking methods can vary slightly depending on the brand. For our cotechino, we placed it in a pot with cold water and brought it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for approximately 20 minutes. Keep it simmering until it’s fully heated through, following the guidelines on the packaging.
-
Prepare the Aromatic Base:
- While the cotechino is cooking, prepare the vegetable base for the lentils. Peel and finely chop the carrot into small cubes. Slice the celery into thin strips and then into small cubes, mimicking the size of the carrot pieces. Peel and chop the onion into small dice.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables (carrot, celery, and onion) to the pan. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Season and Cook the Lentils:
- Drain and rinse the soaked lentils under cold water. Add them to the pan with the softened vegetables. Stir to combine and coat the lentils in the oil and vegetable mixture.
- Add the vegetable broth to the pan, ensuring that the lentils are covered with liquid. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For added depth of flavor, tie the rosemary sprigs and bay leaves together using kitchen twine (or use a spice bag). This makes it easy to remove the herbs later.
-
Simmer the Lentils:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook the lentils for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender. The lentils should absorb most of the broth and become creamy. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water if necessary to keep the lentils covered.
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Finish the Dish:
- While the lentils are cooking, the cotechino should be done. Once cooked, remove the cotechino from the water and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly before carefully removing the casing. Slice the cotechino into rounds or thick slices, depending on your preference.
- Once the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the bundle of rosemary and bay leaves from the pot. Taste the lentils and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve:
- Serve the cotechino slices over a generous portion of lentils. The hearty, earthy lentils paired with the savory cotechino make for a balanced and satisfying meal. Be sure to serve this dish hot, as it’s most delicious when enjoyed warm.
Tips for Perfect Cotechino with Lentils
- Soaking the lentils helps them cook evenly and reduces their overall cooking time. If you’re short on time, you can use canned lentils, though the texture may differ.
- Vegetable broth adds richness to the dish. If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, you can substitute it with chicken or beef broth for a heartier flavor.
- Cotechino is traditionally served with lentils on New Year’s Eve in Italy, but it’s also great for cozy winter dinners. If you can’t find cotechino, substitute with a high-quality pork sausage, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the lentils and cotechino gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the lentils.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The combination of the rich, flavorful cotechino and the earthy, comforting lentils makes this dish a true Italian classic. It’s hearty enough to serve as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner but versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides. The tender lentils and aromatic vegetables balance perfectly with the savory, slightly fatty pork sausage, making every bite a flavorful delight. Plus, the dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it a wonderful option for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
For those who love traditional Italian recipes, Cotechino con Lenticchie is an essential dish to add to your culinary repertoire.
