Today, we’re sharing a classic Roman dish that is an absolute must-try. In Rome, New Year’s Eve is marked by an extravagant meal that brings the whole family together. As the clock strikes midnight, it is tradition to enjoy this famous dish: Zampone with Lentils.
Ingredients for Zampone with Lentils:
- 1 Zampone (stuffed pig’s trotter sausage)
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3-4 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
How to Prepare Zampone with Lentils:
- Start by soaking the dry lentils in water for a few hours to soften them.
- Finely dice the onion, celery, and carrots.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
- Add the rinsed and drained lentils to the pot, then pour in enough water or broth to cover them by about an inch.
- Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and rosemary.
- Simmer until the lentils are tender and have absorbed all the flavors of the aromatics.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the Zampone according to the package instructions.
- Once ready, remove the casing and slice the Zampone into thick rounds.
- Serve a generous portion of lentils on a plate and top with the sliced Zampone.
Serving Suggestion:
For an authentic Roman experience, pair your Zampone with Lentils with a glass of chilled, quality Lambrusco.
Fun Fact:
Why lentils on New Year’s? Italian tradition holds that eating lentils as the new year begins brings prosperity and good fortune. Theoretically, the more you eat, the wealthier you will be! This belief stems from the shape of the lentils, which resemble little gold coins.
Enjoy your Roman-style feast!
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