Happy New Year: The Delicious Italian Tradition of Cotechino/Zampone and Lentils

In Italy, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a slice of panettone or perhaps pandoro gracing the table. But when it comes to New Year’s Eve, there’s another dish that takes centre stage from north to south: cotechino with lentils. This delicious pairing isn’t just a culinary delight; it’s steeped in symbolism and superstition that have been passed down through generations.

The Meaning Behind the Meal
Cotechino, a rich and fatty pork sausage symbolises the hope for a “fat” new year, one filled with abundance, prosperity, and well-being. As the year turns during the cold Italian winter, a few extra calories are more than welcome, and the festive season is the perfect excuse to set aside calorie counting until January.

But did you know there’s also zampone, cotechino’s close cousin? Both are made with a mix of lean and fatty pork, rind, salt, and spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and both require long, slow cooking. The difference lies in the casing: cotechino is stuffed into a natural pork casing, giving it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while zampone is stuffed into the pig’s front trotter, whose rind forms a firmer, slightly crisp outer layer that blends with the filling.

Lentils, on the other hand, bring balance to the plate. Their coin-like shape has long been associated with wealth and financial fortune. Serving them as the clock strikes midnight is a symbolic gesture, a wish for a prosperous year ahead. Beyond their symbolism, lentils are also packed with nutrients, offering a healthy counterpoint to the indulgent cotechino.

Tradition Meets “Scaramanzia”
Even those who claim not to believe in old superstitions often find themselves following these customs “per scaramanzia” for good luck. After all, who wants to risk starting the new year without a little extra fortune on their side?

So, as Italians gather around the table on New Year’s Eve, they do so with full plates and hopeful spirits. The combination of cotechino and lentils is more than just a meal, it’s a delicious ritual that celebrates abundance, health, and the timeless Italian belief that a bit of good food can bring a lot of good fortune.