Salsiccia e Lenticchie
Italian Sausage and Lentils
A hearty and satisfying Italian dish of sausage and lentils, traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve for good luck, symbolizing coins and prosperity. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages(Sweet or spicy, as preferred. Casing removed if desired for easier crumbling.)
- 300 g Brown or green lentils(Rinsed and picked over for any debris. Avoid red lentils as they break down too much.)
- 1 Carrots(Peeled and finely diced.)
- 1 stalk Celery(Finely diced.)
- 1 Onion(Medium, finely diced.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth(Low sodium preferred.)
- 1 Bay leaf(Dried.)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook, breaking them up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the rinsed lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, and the bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 5
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more broth or water. Serve hot.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For good luck on New Year's Eve, this dish is traditionally served.
- ✓The lentils symbolize coins, representing wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
- ✓While any Italian sausage works, cotechino (a type of Italian pork sausage) is a very traditional choice for New Year's dishes.
- ✓Ensure lentils are rinsed well and any small stones are removed before cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use cotechino sausage for a more traditional New Year's flavor.
- Substitute other legumes like cannellini beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.