And here it feels natural for me to add a distinction that, to my mind, is almost a matter of “good manners” as well as taste: there are dishes meant to be eaten cold, and dishes that must be served hot. The former have their own logic (salads, preparations designed to rest, flavors that still stand up without steam). The latter, if eaten cold, are simply out of place — especially in winter. It’s a bit like warming up a caprese in January: technically you can do it, but it betrays the very idea of the dish. We’ve been conditioned to eat anything, anytime, even when it’s not in season or not in its right “moment.” And yet, following the good old habits (seasonality, temperature, context) isn’t nostalgia — it’s a small, practical way to live better.
As for lentils, the Italian saying has an almost tender explanation: people eat them on New Year’s Day because their round, flat shape resembles coins, and the traditional wish is that they will symbolically turn into money in the year ahead; their origin is often linked to ancient Roman customs, when people would even gift a small pouch (“scarsella”) filled with lentils as an omen of prosperity.
As a proper Italian, I cooked them on New Year’s Eve and finished them today for lunch: total cost 2 euros. And maybe the real “secret” behind them bringing money is this: it’s not that they make you rich… it’s that, for once, you spend less. 🌻❤️
Lettuce can be cooked and it miggt be smart since salmonella and some other food poisons mainly come from raw food next to the fact that the intestines of humans are seriously harmed by raw food on "long" term.
No way we can buy lentils for 2 euro (cooking them is also not cheap). Interesting is it was a Roman habit. Are you Roman?
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Let’s pause for a second: lettucce have to be cooked, so I really can’t picture them next to sushi — that would almost be impertinent 😄
If you want to pair them, they’re perfect with cooked greens: Savoy cabbage, Tuscan kale, spinach… whatever you like. But their true soulmate is cotechino (I’m not sure how to translate it: it’s a cooked pork sausage).
I get that some people might see it as not very ethical because it comes from pork, but it’s not really any different from a hot dog or other cured meats.
Anyway, wherever you are, ask your greengrocer for some lentils and try them instead of beans: it’s a different taste, and it’s worth it.
As for the Romans, I’d rather talk about that another time.
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Lentils are sold dry - 250 grams cost over 2 euros, I doubt green groceries still exist. I wouldn't know where I could find one the supermarkets pushed them out of the market.
I am not sure why pork isn't ethical, to some it's cow/beef, to others dog or horse, while there also are who avoid any animal or even milk and eggs.
Btw I know how lentils taste and I like beans way more. I also don't like the smell of lentils but I guess we eat and like what we are used to and what's in our DNA.
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Alright, let’s end it properly: today there’s no need to worry about good-luck traditions, the Befana’s got it covered. And even if lentils aren’t your thing, we can at least say we tried—tradition respected, personal taste undefeated. Happy Befana, and may the new year bring plenty of wealth… even if it’s just in laughter and good company.
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Thanks! 😁
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you are beautiful thank you!
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