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1
To prepare the sausages, in a mixing bowl, combine the lamb, pancetta, fatback, salt and pepper and the dried herbs and spices, except for the parsley and coriander.
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2
Stir to blend.
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3
Put a third of the sausage mixture into the bowl of a food processor and process until it is very finely chopped but not pureed.
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4
Do the same with the second third of the meat mixture.
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5
Process the last third, leaving it chunkier.
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6
In a large bowl, combine by hand the three batches of meat until the larger chunks are evenly distributed.
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7
Allowing the sausage mixture to stand overnight, covered in the refrigerator, enhances the flavor, but it is not crucial.
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8
On the same day you are serving the dish, chop and add the parsley and coriander.
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9
Mix well and form into eight patties about two-and-a-half-inches in diameter and one-inch thick.
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10
Set aside.
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11
To prepare the lentils, rinse them under water and remove any stones.
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12
In a three-to-four-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the duck fat over a medium flame.
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13
Add the peeled shallots and saute for approximately five minutes, or until slightly golden.
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14
Add the carrot pieces and saute an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally.
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15
Add the lentils, stir to coat with fat and continue cooking for three minutes.
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16
Add the six cups of stock, salt, pepper and bouquet garni.
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17
Bring to a boil, then lower the flame.
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18
Simmer until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been reduced to a thin syrup.
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19
Discard bouquet garni.
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20
This should take about one hour.
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21
The lentils may be prepared up to this point one to two days in advance.
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22
Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
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23
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
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24
Pour the lentil mixture into a two-quart shallow baking dish and evenly space the eight raw sausage patties on top.
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25
Sprinkle with the bread crumbs.
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26
Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the sausages are browned and the lentils are bubbly hot, about 45 minutes.
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27
Serve immediately, with warm bread and roasted beets dressed with Sherry vinegar and walnut oil.