A true classic… Lasagna

Across a wide range of authentic Italian dishes, lasagna is consistently admired by many as a favorite for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at lunch with some friends from work or at dinner with the family, lasagna inarguably has a place at just about any table. This has been true for centuries, and it continues to be, even as times are changing and our relationship with food is slowly evolving.

Lasagna is said to have originated from Ancient Greece, as one of the oldest types of pasta. The name “lasagne” comes from the method of how the dish is made - by stacking layers of pasta alternated with sauces and ingredients such as meats, vegetables and cheese, and sometimes topped with melted grated cheese in a pot. Originally, lasagna was more of a cheese-based dish, as tomatoes weren’t yet discovered by the Greek at the time. The dish has historically been known to consist of a variety of cheeses such as Mozzarella, Provolone, Ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese. Original Greek lasagna typically consisted of no fewer than 2 cheeses and sometimes up to 6 or more different types of cheese.

Modern day lasagna made its debut in Naples, Italy during the Middle Ages. The Italians brought some changes and personal touches to the dish that would eventually catch on with lasagna lovers in regions across the world. Like many other authentic Italian dishes, the sauce is a big part of what makes the lasagna served by many around the world today. Upon arriving in Italy, bolognese or other tomato and meat-based sauces became the standard for lasagna dishes. While every family and every region of the world may put its own twist on the dish, lasagna is simply one that cannot be denied as an all-time great when it comes to Italian cuisine.

Ciao!