Lentils and Sausage

Lentils with sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that suits the cold seasons well, but is still enjoyed all year round. Here is the recipe to prepare this traditional dish with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 300 g of lentils (if you prefer, you can use the pre-soaked and ready-to-use ones)
• 4 sausages
• 1 small onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 stalk of celery
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 400 ml of vegetable or meat broth
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Red wine as needed (optional)
• Chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning and finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. In a large pot, sauté the mixture with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until softened.
2. Add the whole or chopped sausages and let them brown until they are golden on all sides. If desired, you can deglaze with a bit of red wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
3. At this point, add the lentils (soaked and drained if necessary), whole garlic cloves, bay leaf, and, if you like, a pinch of chili pepper.
4. Pour in the hot broth to cover all the ingredients and add the tomato paste. Mix well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If necessary, add more broth during cooking.
6. During the final part of cooking, remove the lid if you desire a thicker consistency and let the liquid reduce.
7. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. Remove the garlic cloves and bay leaf before serving.

Lentils with sausage are best enjoyed served hot. If desired, they can be garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or served with a side of bread croutons.

Curiosity

In Italian folklore, lentils are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and it is traditional to eat them on New Year’s Day, as it is said they bring wealth in the new year. This is because their shape resembles that of coins.