Classic Cotechino with Lentils

Classic Cotechino with Lentils

Recipes with Cotechino

Cotechino is a traditional Italian sausage, especially popular during the winter holidays. This recipe pairs the rich, fatty sausage with earthy lentils for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

2 hours

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 Cotechino sausage (about 500g)
  • 200g dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 liter vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1

Soak the lentils in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.

2

Prick the cotechino sausage all over with a fork. Wrap it in cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine.

3

Place the wrapped cotechino in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender.

4

While the cotechino simmers, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add the garlic and rosemary, cook for another minute, then add the drained lentils and vegetable broth. Simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips

Be sure to prick the cotechino well to prevent it from bursting during cooking. Serve hot, sliced, over the lentils.