The Creminelli Family Cotechino with Lentils Recipe
Cotechino is a holiday staple in Italy – it’s what turkey is to Thanksgiving – and Cristiano is excited to share it with salami-loving Americans. Below is the Creminelli family recipe for Cotechino and lentils, it will knock your socks off. Cotechino is most often served with lentils but if lentils aren’t your thing, boiled or mashed potatoes are another great pair for the succulent Creminelli Cotechino.
The Creminelli Family Cotechino with Lentils Recipe
- 1 Cup Dry Green Lentils, soaked in water for 24 hours
- 1 Creminelli Cotechino, in plastic pouch
- 2 Cups Water or Beef Broth
- 2 Tbs. Butter
- 2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup White Onion, Diced
- 1/4 Cup Creminelli Pancetta, Diced
- 1 Sage Leaf, whole
- 1 Tbs. Tomato Paste (optional)
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Pepper, 3 pinches or to taste
Directions: Dry Lentils should be soaked, fully immersed in a pan or bowl of water for 24 hours before use in recipe.
Reheat the Creminelli Cotechino by boiling it in its plastic pouch for 20 minutes.
Strain the soaked lentils and place them in a saucepan with water or broth, bring to a boil and then cook at a gentle boil until tender, around 30 minutes. Add butter and olive oil to a medium-size pan at medium heat. Add onion to the pan and cook 2-3 minutes or until onions are clear. Add the Pancetta and sage leaf to the pan and cook until the edges of the Pancetta brown slightly. Strain lentils and mix them into the pan with the Pancetta, stir for 2 minutes, then add tomato paste if desired, and mix well. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Mix in salt and pepper. Cover the pan but not completely and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding additional water as needed to keep lentils from sticking to the pan. Remove the sage leaf. Place the lentils on a serving platter.
Remove Cotechino from plastic pouch and remove string and thin casing from the Cotechino by lightly scoring lengthwise and unpeeling. Slice the Cotechino into medallions and place on lentils.
Makes 3-4 servings
