Luck be a lentil tonight! Also known as “New Year’s Soup,” the magic of lentils, or lenticchie in Italian, is in their round shape thought to resemble Roman coins, therefore symbolizing money and prosperity. Italians traditionally consider eating lentils to bring good luck and fortune to the family for the upcoming year. In Northern Italy, lucky lentils are served on New Year’s Day paired with big, plump, fatty pork sausages native to the region, called cotechino sausages. Our family enjoys the meatless version all year round for a hearty, healthy and simple meal.