National Lasagna Day
Every year on July 29 we celebrate one of everyone's favorite pasta dishes, Lasagna. Imagine layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese baked to perfection - does it get any better than lasagna?
Many choose to celebrate the day by making their own lasagna for their family and friends, while others choose to take advantage of the lasagna deals and specials that restaurants offer.
Exploring the Rich History of Lasagna
The name lasagna is actually the name for the flat pasta sheets that make the layers of the dish, the plural of which is lasagne. There are many stories about the origins of lasagna as a traditional pasta dish, including some reports of similar foods that go back to ancient Greece.
However, the type of lasagna that we know and love now was first created in the city of Naples, Italy (City of Pasta). It was here where the first cookbook containing a recipe for lasagna was found. It dates back to the Middle Ages. The book was called 'Liber de Coquina'. It wasn't until the 19th century that Italian immigrants brought lasagna into North America.
Since then, many variations of lasagna have been created. Some are vegan, some are made with seafood instead of meat, while others are made with eggplant sheets instead of pasta. Families around the world have developed their own secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Different people prefer different sauces, cheeses, or herbs in their lasagna. In any case, lasagna is such a versatile dish that there is always a way to ensure that everyone will love it.
Interesting Facts About Lasagna
- No Tomatoes in Early Recipes: In the 1330s, when the book containing the first recipe for lasagna was written, tomatoes were not yet known about in Europe, so the recipe did not contain tomato sauce.
- A Medieval Feast: The first recorded recipe for a lasagna included local sausage, fried meatballs, ricotta or mozzarella, ragu sauce, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Ancient Pasta Roots: Lasagna sheets are one of the oldest types of pasta in the world.
- Regional Twists: In Southern Italy, the pasta was made with semolina and water. As semolina was unavailable in Northern Italy, the pasta was made with flour and eggs.
- The $100 Slice: The most expensive lasagna in the world is served in Las Vegas. It is made with porcini mushrooms, Iberico ham and prosciutto di parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, buffalo mozzarella, Kobe meat bolognese sauce, and alfredo sauce which is infused with foie gras. To finish it off, the lasagna is topped with white truffles and gold flakes. One slice of this lasagna will set you back 100$.
- Garfield’s Favorite: The most famous lasagna lover in the world is the cartoon cat Garfield which is why many associate the dish with the beloved character.
How You Can Celebrate National Lasagna Day
- Bake a Lasagna Masterpiece: Whip up a classic lasagna with meaty ragu, creamy béchamel, and gooey mozzarella, or try a fun twist like vegetarian with roasted veggies or seafood with white sauce.
- Throw a Lasagna Showdown: Host a potluck where friends bring their best lasagna. Vote for the tastiest creation and award a “Garfield’s Choice” trophy for bragging rights.
- Savor Restaurant Deals: Don't feel like cooking? Call your favorite Italian spot or check social media for National Lasagna Day specials.
- Channel Garfield’s Vibe: Embrace the world’s most famous lasagna lover by watching a Garfield cartoon while enjoying your dish. Bonus points for snapping a cheesy selfie with your plate and sharing it with #NationalLasagnaDay.
- Spread the Love: Make an extra pan of lasagna to share with neighbors, coworkers, or a local shelter. Nothing says comfort like a warm, home-cooked meal.
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