Grilled Italian Cotechino with Lentils

Introduction

Grilled Italian Cotechino with Lentils is a classic dish that brings out the rich, meaty flavors of cotechino sausage while complementing it with perfectly cooked lentils. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve a steakhouse-quality sear at 1,000°F on the center grill grate before gently finishing the sausage on the flat griddle cooktop. This method locks in juices, enhances flavor, and delivers a stunning presentation. The lentils cook to perfection on the griddle, absorbing all the delicious smokiness from the fire. Let’s fire up the grill and make this exceptional dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cotechino sausage
• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the fire pit of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Sear the cotechino sausage

1. Place the cotechino on the center grill grate when it reaches 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to create a flavorful crust.
3. Move the sausage to the flat griddle cooktop to finish cooking.

Step 3: Cook the lentils

1. On the flat griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked lentils and mix well.
5. Season with fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the lentils and continue to stir until heated through.

Step 4: Finish and serve

1. Remove the cotechino when its internal temperature is 15°F below the desired doneness.
2. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Serve sliced cotechino over the warm lentils.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• The lentils will absorb flavor from the grill, making them even more delicious.
• Don’t skip the final rest period; it helps retain the juices in the sausage.

Variations

• Smoky Paprika Cotechino: Add smoked paprika to the lentils for a deeper flavor.
• Spicy Cotechino: Slice a red chili and grill it with the lentils for added heat.
• Herb-Infused Cotechino: Mix fresh rosemary and oregano into the lentils for an Italian herb twist.
• Balsamic Glazed Cotechino: Brush the sausage with a balsamic glaze while grilling for extra sweetness.
• Mushroom Lentil Mix: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, rich flavor profile.

Conclusion

Grilled Italian Cotechino with Lentils is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic dish with a smoky twist. Grilling the sausage over an open fire enhances its flavor, while gently cooking the lentils on the griddle creates a perfect pairing. Whether for a special occasion or a rustic family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Fire up your Arteflame grill and enjoy this Italian delicacy!

Best Pairings

• A glass of Chianti wine
• Grilled asparagus
• Toasted artisan bread
• Fresh arugula salad