Felice Anno Nuovo! Italian New Year’s Traditions: Lenticche, Zampone, and Cotechino
On New Year’s Day, instead of our black eyed peas, Italians serve lentils (round like coins) and an interesting side dish made from pig’s trotters: Zampone, or Cotechino, the sausage made from the same. Click here for a picture and interesting insights from Kyle Phillips. Seems the Pope beseiged the good people of Modena for aligning with the Venetians, and Italian ingenuity provided this tasty dish made from the foreleg of a pig. As with many unfamiliar delicacies, this one’s form follows a little too closely it’s previous function, but it’s on the list of “should-try” local food if ever you find yourself in Italy on New Year’s!