Cotechino Con Lenticchie

Cotechino Con Lenticchie

I thought I would make this infamous Italian New Years Eve dish for my family this year. It turned out great and hopefully I will reap great rewards this year. It is a simple and delicious dish.

Place 6 cups of water into a large sauce pan bring to a boil and stir in a table spoon of course salt.

Once the water is boiling add 8 ounces dried lentils, 2 whole peeled garlic cloves and 12 fresh sage leaves.

Let these ingredients boil for about 25 minutes or until tender. Then drain in an appropriate colander.

Once the lentils are drained place them in a large bowl and marinate with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and some balsamic vinegar. I say some because I used about a 1/4 cup but it should be to taste. You may like a little less. Also add fresh ground pepper and course salt to taste.

Thoroughly mix the lentils and set aside. Fill a large sauce pan half way with water. Remove packaging from cotechino sausage. It was a challenge to find this particular type of sausage. The better Italian delis carry them. Take your paring knife and poke small holes in the sausage. You could use 2 sausages if you like. They are very good. Place the sausage in the sauce pan and bring to a boil. Boils this sausage about 1 1/2 hours.

Remove the cotechino sausage from the pan. Remove the casing and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Places slices on top of lentils on a large platter or dish.

This dish will bring you money and luck in the coming year!

Happy New Year!!