The Delicious History of Lasagna - Italian Garden - San Marcos Texas (2024)

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The Delicious History of Lasagna - Italian Garden - San Marcos Texas (1)

The Delicious History of Lasagna

Lasagna, could there be a more perfect dish? It’s comfort food on steroids. Layers of cheese generously piled on top of decadent amounts of meat, and then smothered with a sauce that would bring tears to the most cynical Italian’s eyes. When you cut into this amazing concoction of bliss you often don’t think of the history behind lasagna. Surprisingly, lasagna did not originate in Italy.

Lasagna Originated in Greece

We may never know the exact person who created lasagna. In fact, this dish was not named after an individual, but after a fermented noodle called laganon that was frequently used in ancient Greece where lasagna originated. In the beginning, lasagna was sprinkled with toppings, and eaten with a pointed stick. Unrecognizable by today’s standards, the only similarity between the two was the layering of pasta and sauce.

Thank the Romans

Lasagna would not be so popular today if not for the Romans. While this dish was created in Greece it was not until the Romans conquered the region around 146 BC that the dish became known. The Romans were famous for embracing local customs, cultures, and foods into their society so it wasn’t long before lasagna became commonplace in their cuisine. Rome came to adore the lagonon noodle, a flatbread dough cut into thin strips, then smothered in a various toppings. Under Roman influence, the recipe made its way to Italy where chefs altered it until it became the amazing dish we know today.

Lasagna first made is a grand entrance in Naples, Italy during the Middle Ages in the 14th century. Initially, this dish was reserved for special events and holidays. Ironically, this pleasure inducing food was introduced to Italians in the middle of the Black Plague.

Mama Mia! Hello, America!

Eventually, lasagna made its way to North America in the late 1800s with Italian immigrants who brought their family recipes to the New World. Shortly after, Americans were introduced to Parmigiano-Reggiano embraced with layers of slow-cooked tomato sauce separated by perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It was love at first taste, and lasagna quickly became a staple within American cuisine.

So, is Lasagna Italian or Greek?

The debate continues as to who truly created this decadent dish. People state that it’s Italy claim to fame since they were the ones who perfected the dish. Researchers in Great Britain support this conclusion as they discovered a cookbook created in the 1390s containing an Italian recipe for lasagna.

Several centuries later lasagna remains a popular comfort food that is beloved by millions around the globe. The original recipe has evolved as there are vegetarian options, eggplant lasagna, and even ones with a Southwestern Flair. The choices are endless. Regardless what ingredients are used this Italian comfort food is a historic staple that will continue pleasing pallets for generations to come.

The Delicious History of Lasagna - Italian Garden - San Marcos Texas (2024)

FAQs

Which city is famous for lasagna? ›

Neapolitan Lasagna: Naples, in the Campania region of Italy, is known for its Neapolitan lasagna. This dish contains layers of pasta, tomato sauce, and rich mozzarella cheese.

Where did lasagna originally come from? ›

Modern day lasagna, the richly layered dish swimming in sumptuous tomato sauce, made its debut in Naples, Italy, during the Middle Ages. Laboriously crafted and fit for a crowd, lasagna was savored on special occassions.

What does the word lasagna mean in Italian? ›

The Romans borrowed the word as lasanum, meaning 'cooking pot'. The Italians used the word to refer to the cookware in which lasagna is made. Later the food took on the name of the serving dish.

Is lasagna Greek or Italian? ›

lasagna, pasta dish of Italian origin, made with broad often ruffled noodles and a tomato or white sauce. Lasagna, in the singular, is a southern Italian variation of what northern Italians call lasagne, in the plural.

Why do Italians put hard boiled eggs in lasagna? ›

It adds a wonderful texture and flavour to the lasagna. We have received requests to make our lasagna without the egg because it just seems so foreign to some people. That's no problem. We don't mind omitting it; but, if you enjoy authentic food, I would encourage you to give it a chance.

What is the difference between American lasagna and Italian lasagna? ›

The primary differences I found between American lasagne and Italian lasagne were: The use of a layer or two of white bechamel (“"besciamella”) sauce imparts a nice creaminess to the lasagne in Italy. The pasta sheets seemed thinner and “fresher” in Italian pasta, very tender and with a “"melt in your mouth” texture.

Do Italians put ricotta in lasagna? ›

In southern Italy lasagna is generally made with dried sheets of pasta layered with rich meat ragú, ricotta and mozzarella. In the north, especially in Bologna, the most popular version of lasagna features fresh egg pasta colored green with spinach and layered with ragú, bechamel and Parmigiano Reggiano.

What type of cheese is traditionally used in Italian lasagna? ›

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are the most popular cheeses used in the classic Italian meal "Lasagna" in most cases. While the melted mozzarella lends gooeyness and stringiness, the ricotta cheese gives creaminess and texture.

What do Italians eat with lasagna? ›

Lasagne (it's plural, not singular) are a primo, so you eat it on its own, but followed by at least some vegetables or, if it's a festive meal, also some proteins in the form of meat (as most lasagne are meat-based) and vegetables.

Is lasagna healthy for you? ›

Lasagna is a quintessential comfort food, but there's nothing nutritious about white noodles layered with fatty ground meat and gobs of cheese. Fortunately it's possible to indulge in this Italian favorite without inhaling 800-plus calories and more than a day's worth of sodium and saturated fat in a single serving.

Can Muslims eat lasagna? ›

Several food companies offer halal processed foods and products, including halal foie gras, spring rolls, chicken nuggets, ravioli, lasagna, pizza and baby food. Halal ready meals are a growing consumer market for Muslims in Britain and America and are offered by an increasing number of retailers.

What city invented lasagna? ›

Lasagna first made is a grand entrance in Naples, Italy during the Middle Ages in the 14th century. Initially, this dish was reserved for special events and holidays. Ironically, this pleasure inducing food was introduced to Italians in the middle of the Black Plague.

Why is lasagne so good? ›

It has carbs, dairy, meat and vegetables. One could survive for months on lasagna alone. Likewise for the taste: there is something in it for everybody, whether one prefers the savoriness of the sauce, the cripy gratinated edges or the unbelievably creamy béchamel. This applies to the texture, as well.

What city in Italy is known for lasagna? ›

Lasagna in Bologna

The northern Italian city of Bologna gave us the world-famous Bolognese sauce, which is perhaps second only to pizza in its worldwide appeal. This meaty sauce is layered with Béchamel sauce and flat sheets of pasta to create the iconic lasagna.

Where is lasagna popular in Italy? ›

Lasagna is considered a festive dish in Italy, typically prepared for special occasions like Christmas, weddings, and other significant events. In certain regions such as Emilia-Romagna, a unique version called lasagna alla bolognese is popular, which features meat sauce and béchamel sauce.

What city is known for pasta? ›

Known as the 'Città della Pasta' (City of Pasta), the sleepy coastal town of Gragnano in Italy's Campania region became famous in the late 1700s for its 'white gold', or macaroni.

Is lasagna from Rome? ›

Lasagna, or lasagne, is a pasta dish that goes back centuries. Further than pizza, back into the Roman republic for sure, and possible even back to the ancient Greeks.

Where did lasagna love originate? ›

The impetus for Lasagna Love stemmed from a happy accident that “just kind of happened,” according to the self-proclaimed “accidental founder.” Menn said she was heartbroken hearing stories of women struggling to feed their families.

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