Cotechino with Lentils Recipe

Ingredients:

• Cotechino sausage – 1 (approximately 700 grams)
• Dried lentils – 300 grams
• Onion – 1, chopped
• Garlic cloves – 4, finely chopped
• Carrot – 1, chopped
• Celery stalks – 2, chopped
• Tomato passata – 400 grams
• Bay leaves – 2
• Extra-virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper – to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with water and add the cotechino sausage. Bring to a boil and let it cook on low heat for about 2 hours.
2. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
3. Add the tomato passata, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the lentils to the sauce and stir well.
5. When the cotechino sausage is ready, remove it from the pot and cut into thick slices.
6. Place the sausage slices on top of the lentil sauce and let them cook with the sauce for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions:

Cotechino with lentils is a hearty dish that can be served on its own or as a side to a meat dish. It goes well with crusty bread and a green salad on the side.

Verdict:

The combination of cotechino sausage and lentils creates a deliciously savory and satisfying dish. The lentil sauce adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the meaty flavor of the sausage. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night.