Lasagna

Origins of Lasagna

Lasagna is one of Italys most iconic dishes, made from layers of pasta alternated with ragù sauce, béchamel, vegetables, and cheeses such as Mozzarella, Ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

From Ancient Rome to the Middle Ages

Early references to lasagna-like dishes appear in Apicius, a Roman cookbook from the 4th5th centuries. Later, in the 14th century, the Liber de Coquina described layered pasta dishes using similar techniques.

Tomatoes Transform the Recipe

Originally, Lasagna did not include tomatoes. It wasnt until the 16th centuryafter tomatoes were brought to Europethat they became a staple in lasagna recipes.

Regional Variations

Italy offers many styles of Lasagna:

Lasagna Napoletana from Naples includes tomato sauce, minced beef and pork, ham, and Ricotta cheese.
Lasagna al Forno Bolognese from Emilia-Romagna uses Bolognese ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Lasagna Goes Global

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Italian immigrants introduced Lasagna to other countries, making it a staple in Italian restaurants worldwideespecially in the US, Argentina, and Australia.

Flexible and Familiar

Today, Lasagna appears in countless formsseafood lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, and morewhile still honoring its layered origins and comforting flavor.