July 29 is National Lasagna Day and we encourage everyone to enjoy at least one version of the delicious layers of noodles, sauces, cheeses, and whatever else your heart desires in your idea of lasagna.
Lasagna requires layering using cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauce to create a delicious blend of savory baked layers. Since lasagna is one of the oldest kinds of pasta, cooks have developed quite a selection of recipes. From vegan to seafood and dessert, lasagna fills recipe books around the world. Even the sauces come in a wide variety.
Many families create unique recipes that are passed down from generation to generation. Sometimes the sauce makes the lasagna special and sometimes it’s the cheese blend that makes the dish special. Even fresh-picked tomatoes, onions, and herbs are often a cook’s secret.
5 Lasagna Facts
- Lasagna was first made during the 14th century at the height of the Black Plague in Greece. Interestingly, this pasta dish was made specifically for special events and holidays, despite the bleak time it was created.
- The original recipe of lasagna didn’t contain meat. In fact, the first recipe contained ingredients such as artichokes, eggplant, spinach, ricotta and grated cheeses.
- The first printed recipe of lasagna dates back to 1634 by Giovanni Battista Crisci. The recipe was known as “lasagne di monache stufate, mozzarella e cacio.”
- King Ferdinand II enjoyed “lasagne di carnevale,” the Neapolitan lasagna. This type of lasagna was made of meat ragu, small fried meatballs, hard boiled eggs and mozzarella cheese.
- The most expensive lasagna in the world is found at the Portofino Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. Known as the Diamond and Gold Lasagna, this lasagna sells for $100 a “slice” and consists of Kobe beef, Iberico ham, prosciutto di Parma, porcini mushrooms, and foie gras Alfredo sauce.
