Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish consisting of layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables. Its history can be traced back to ancient times, revealing a rich culinary heritage. While the exact origins of lasagna are somewhat debated, its early roots can be found in ancient Roman cuisine.
The Romans were known to enjoy a dish called “lagana,” which consisted of flat dough sheets cut into strips. These strips were then cooked, layered with various fillings, and baked. This early form of lasagna did not include tomatoes or some of the ingredients we associate with modern versions.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arabs occupied parts of Sicily and southern Italy, introducing new ingredients and cooking techniques to the region. It is believed that they brought with them a dish called “laysh,” which featured layered pasta and meat. Over time, this Arab influence merged with the existing Roman culinary traditions, contributing to the development of what we now know as lasagna.
In the Middle Ages, pasta became more widely used in Italy. Initially made with ingredients like barley flour, it eventually transitioned to the more common wheat flour. By the 14th century, the first recorded recipe for lasagna, known as “lasanis,” appeared in a cookbook called “Liber de Coquina” (The Book of Cookery). This recipe featured layers of pasta, cheese, and spices.
As tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries, they gradually found their way into Italian cuisine. Tomato sauce became a popular addition to lasagna, giving it the familiar flavor we associate with the dish today. The addition of tomato sauce marked a significant evolution in the culinary history of lasagna.
Since then, lasagna has continued to evolve, with various regional and personal variations emerging throughout Italy. Different regions have their own unique styles and fillings. For example, in the Emilia-Romagna region, traditional lasagna is made with fresh egg pasta, béchamel sauce, and a ragù made with ground meat. In other regions, ingredients like ricotta cheese, mozzarella, or vegetables may be used.
Today, lasagna is a globally recognized and loved dish, appreciated for its comforting layers of flavors and textures. Its ancient origins and subsequent development throughout history have contributed to its enduring popularity as a classic Italian culinary masterpiece.
