When mentioning lentil recipes in the context of New Year's Eve, the third word that comes to mind without even recalling it from the recesses of memory is " cotechino ".
Here, we at Mamù are taking to the field this New Year's Eve to offer you Five alternative ideas to the classic lentil and cotechino dinners . We know these are just attempts to appease Lady Luck, who, as always, has much more to do than just watch you.
If you are already our fan you will know that in this type of articles we want to give you ideas , not ready-made recipes. This is because we like to stimulate our readers. creatively . Or because we're chronic slackers, it's up to you.
First idea: beef and lentils
Let's start with a very simple recipe, very easy to make. By serving this dish, you can avoid the ire of traditionalists and please those who have never eaten cotechino (in every sense of the word).
If you need to prepare this dish and want to get good results, you can use one of our casserole dishes . You won't be disappointed!
You might need it this .
Second idea: grilled cuttlefish with lentil cream
The Christmas/New Year period is also the perfect time to enjoy fish. So here's an idea that will combine tradition with good fortune: grilled cuttlefish on a lentil cream. Although the name sounds impressive, this delicious fish dish takes very little time to prepare. Simply prepare the lentil cream and sear the cuttlefish on a grill (perhaps one of ours) for a few minutes. Et voilà.
To grill cuttlefish there are our plates.
Third idea: Lentil meatballs (the tactical finger food)
Let's be honest: on New Year's Eve, we often end up standing up and eating, a glass of wine in one hand and hoping for a better year in the other. That's why lentil meatballs are the ultimate solution. They're vegetarian (so you can even please the friend who gave up meat in 2019), they're delicious, and best of all, they can be dipped in spicy or yogurt sauces. The secret here is the crust: they need to be golden on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve that light, crispy frying without turning your kitchen into a refinery, you'll need a quality nonstick pan, the kind that won't even let negative thoughts stick. Check out our nonstick pans .
If you love meatballs, also check out this recipe for zucchini and aubergine meatballs .
Fourth idea: Lentil ragù (the perfect trick)
Want a festive first course but tired of the usual tortellino in broth? Lentil ragù is the answer. It's amazing how, when well-spiced and simmered with a good soffritto, this sauce can fool even the most ardent carnivore in the family. It's perfect for seasoning homemade tagliatelle or filling a lasagna. The trick is slow and steady cooking: the lentils shouldn't become mushy right away, but rather slowly develop flavor. To achieve this, you need a tool that distributes heat evenly and gently. A shallow pan or a cocotte would be ideal for this task.
Fifth idea: Cream of lentils and seared prawns
We'll end on a high note with a chic proposal for those who want to look like a Michelin-starred chef without having attended an academy. This is the perfect idea for those who want to keep things (relatively) light and bring something elegant to the table. A smooth cream of red lentils, served piping hot, topped with freshly sautéed shrimp and a drizzle of raw olive oil. It's a surprising blend of land and sea, but it works incredibly well. For the shrimp, a quick sauté in the pan is all you need, but for the cream soup, you'll need a large pot where you can blend everything without splattering the freshly painted walls. Find the right pots in our section dedicated to tall saucepans .
Conclusions (and a bit of superstition)
Here we are, five ideas to save New Year's Eve from the monotony of cotechino and, perhaps, finally convince Lady Luck to look your way. Whether you choose beef, fish, or meatballs, the important thing is to cook with the right tools (ours, it goes without saying ) and with the right company.
