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Cotechino sausage served with lentils
Traditional Italian Cotechino sausage with braised lentils

Italian Cotechino Sausage with Lentils

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
An indispensable part of the Italian New Year. Cotechino is a special, fatty pork sausage rich in collagen that requires slow cooking to become sticky and tender. The coin-like shape of the lentils represents money, so eating them is said to bring wealth in the coming year. This dish celebrates rustic simplicity and hearty winter flavors.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 3 hrs
⌛ Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 650 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot (for sausage)
  • Medium saucepan (for lentils)
  • Skewer or needle
  • Cutting board

Instructions

1 ✓

Prick the sausage skin in several places with a skewer. Place in a large pot of cold water and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer very gently for 2-3 hours.

Tip: Pricking prevents the skin from bursting due to internal pressure. Slow cooking dissolves the collagen, creating that sticky, tender texture.
2 ✓

Meanwhile, rinse the lentils (soak for 30 mins beforehand if necessary).

Tip: Rinsing removes dust and debris.
3 ✓

In a saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the 'soffritto': onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Add the bay leaf.

Tip: This holy trinity of vegetables (soffritto) provides the flavor base. Take your time to soften them.
4 ✓

Add the lentils, stir to coat, then pour in the wine. Once the alcohol evaporates, cover with just enough water (or stock) to submerge.

Tip: The wine's acidity brightens the earthy flavor of the lentils.
5 ✓

Season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes until tender but not mushy.

Tip: Add salt only halfway through or at the end; acidic and salty environments can toughen lentil skins.
6 ✓

Remove the cooked sausage, peel off the skin (if tough), and slice into thick rounds. Serve on a bed of lentils.

Tip: The fat from the sausage and the starchy lentil broth create a creamy union on the plate.

Recipe FAQ

What if I can't find Cotechino?
While the texture is unique, you can use a high-quality fresh pork sausage (like Musetto), though cooking time will be shorter.
Do I need to soak the lentils?
Large brown lentils benefit from soaking, but smaller varieties (like Puy or French Green lentils) cook in about 30 minutes without soaking.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Cotechino Sausage (or raw pork sausage)
  • 1 cup Dried Lentils (brown or green)
  • 1 whole Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 whole Carrot (diced small)
  • 1 stalk Celery (diced small)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaf
  • 1 clove Garlic (smashed)
  • 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper