New Year’s Eve, as we know, is a magical moment, filled with reflections, where the world comes together to bid farewell to the passing year and welcome the new one. While traditions can vary significantly from one culture to another, there is one universal constant: FOOD. If you dedicate ten minutes of your time, we’ll embark on a global culinary journey, exploring the various recipes used around the world to celebrate the last day of the year. In particular, we’ll focus on the delicious original recipe of cotechino with lentils, a dish that embodies Italian tradition from north to south, also because it is said to bring good luck (like wearing red underwear, etc.).
We can’t hide the fact that Italy is renowned for its cuisine rich in flavors and timeless culinary traditions. Cotechino with lentils is a dish that holds a special place on Italian tables during, and especially on the evening of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. This dish combines the crispiness of pork with the creaminess of lentils, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the new year. If you want to delight your guests with a superb cotechino with lentils, you must try this recipe…
👩🏻🍳 Ingredients👇🏻
- 1 cotechino
- 500 g of lentil
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🏻🍳 Procedure👇🏻
- Start by boiling the cotechino in water with the vegetables (onion, carrots, celery) for the time indicated on the package.
- Meanwhile, cook the lentils, flavoring with onion, celery, and carrot in a separate pot until they are tender but still firm.
- Drain the cotechino, remove the skin, and slice the meat.
- Mix the lentils with the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the slices of cotechino over a bed of lentils.
This delicious dish is just one of many that make Italian New Year’s Eve unique. From cotechino with mashed potatoes in Emilia-Romagna to panettone in Lombardy, each region of Italy offers unique culinary delights to celebrate the new year.
In addition to Italy, of course, the entire world celebrates New Year’s Eve with unique tastes and traditions from their own territory. Below you will find typical recipes from some parts of Europe and the world, and if you ever feel like replicating a dish, don’t hesitate to let us know! We await suggestions…
Spain, midnight is welcomed by eating 12 grapes, one for each stroke of midnight’s bell. This tradition brings luck and prosperity for each month of the following year.
Japan, people consume toshikoshi soba, a noodle soup, to ward off evil spirits and ensure a smooth transition to the new year.
Germany, they welcome the new year with pork and cabbage, symbolizing prosperity and good luck.
United Kingdom, roast turkey with stuffing is a traditional dish for New Year’s Eve dinner. The turkey is often stuffed with a mixture of sausage, bacon, herbs, and bread, ensuring a hearty and delicious meal.
Although often associated with Christmas, Christmas Pudding is a classic dessert that also makes an appearance during the New Year period. This rich and spiced pudding is often served with brandy butter or vanilla sauce.
France, New Year’s Eve dinner can start with foie gras, a dish made from goose or duck liver. This is often accompanied by champagne to create a decadent and festive combination.
Coquilles Saint-Jacques, gratinated scallops, are another popular dish during French New Year’s Eve celebrations. The delicacy of the scallops pairs with a savory sauce of white wine, mushrooms, and parsley.
Poland, Barszcz, a sour beet soup, is often served during New Year’s Eve dinner. It is accompanied by uszka, small ravioli filled with mushrooms and meat.
Hungary, Szilveszteri Pezsgős Túrós Pogácsa, small cheese biscuits, are a traditional addition to the New Year’s menu. These crispy biscuits are often enjoyed with a sparkling glass of champagne.
Russia, Olivier Salad is an iconic dish for New Year’s Eve dinner. This rich and hearty salad consists of potatoes, carrots, peas, hard-boiled eggs, and mayonnaise.
Each country has its own unique culinary traditions for New Year’s Eve, offering a wide variety of flavors and dishes that reflect the rich cultural diversity. As we prepare to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, food remains at the center of our celebrations. From Italian lentils to Spanish grapes, each culture contributes to making New Year’s Eve an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re following home traditions or exploring new flavors, remember that food has the power to connect us, celebrate diversity, and wish everyone a happy new year.
Bon appétit and Happy New Year 🥂 from Fairness Magazine!
Ig – @fairness_mag
