Cotechino, what is it?
Cotechino is a type of Italian sausage
That is traditionally made with pork meat and fat, along with spices and flavorings such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It originated in the northern regions of Italy, particularly in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, and is typically served during the winter months, especially on New Year's Eve.
Cotechino sausage is a cooked sausage
Typically boiled or simmered in water for a couple of hours until fully cooked. It is often served sliced and accompanied by lentils, which are thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year according to Italian tradition.
Cotechino sausage has a rich and flavorful taste
Its texture is tender and slightly grainy. It can also be used in various dishes, such as pasta, soups, or stews, and is a versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine.
It is prepared by filling the natural casing with rind pork meat
Usually of secondary preference and fat mixed with salt and spices; in industrial production, nitrites and nitrates are added as preservatives. Some similar sausages exist in the Italian cooking tradition, for example, musette and zampone, which are made with different meat and parts of the pig, musette being made with meat taken from the pig's muzzle and zampone being held together by the pig's rear leg skin.