Lasagna Awareness Month is in July every year. It is said that the lasagna we all know and love originated during the Middle Ages in Naples, Italy, but you do not have to be Italian to love the delicious dish of pasta sheets, tomato sauce, veggies, cheese, and meat. Lasagna is a special dish with layers of flavor. Speaking of layers, most lasagna bowls have three to four of them, but there really is no limit or rule to it, so add as many layers as you want.
History of Lasagna Awareness Month
The creator of lasagna is unknown but greatly appreciated. The earliest inspiration was from ancient Greece where a fermented noodle called ‘laganon’ was used. That lasagna was quite different from what we eat today. In fact, the only similarity is that it had layers of pasta and sauce. It was sprinkled with toppings and eaten with a pointed stick.It became popular when the Romans conquered the region around 146 B.C. They were famous for embracing local customs, food, and cultures into their society, so lasagna became part of Roman cuisine soon enough. The recipe made its way to Italy and their chefs adapted it until it became the delicious dish we know today: rectangular or ribbon-shaped, thicker than tagliatelle, made from a dough of flour and eggs, with meat, cheese, and vegetables. In the 14th century, lasagna was first made in Naples, Italy, and eaten only during special events and holidays.In the late 1800s, lasagna traveled to North America with the Italian immigrants who brought their family recipes to the New World. Americans loved the dish at first taste, and lasagna quickly became a staple of American cuisine.
Lasagna Awareness Month timeline
The Romans conquer Greece, and lasagna becomes part of their cuisine.
Lasagne is mentioned in the “Memoriali Bolognesi” ("Bolognesi Memorials"), in a poem transcribed by a Bolognese notary.
The first lasagna recipe is recorded in “The Book of Cookery.”
Lasagna is brought to America by Italian immigrants.
Lasagna Awareness Month FAQs
Why is it called lasagne?
Lasagne is the Italian translation or singular version. Just like lasagna, it is derived from the word ‘laganon,’ the original version of the dish.
What are the three main ingredients of a lasagne?
The main ingredients are noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Why is lasagna the best food?
Lasagna is the best dish because it is delicious and relatively easy to make.
Lasagna Awareness Month Activities
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Cook the best lasagna ever
If you like cooking, take this opportunity to make the best lasagna you have ever tried. Try it with unusual ingredients like mushrooms.
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Order lasagna at your favorite restaurant
Nowadays, every restaurant has lasagna on its menu. You don't need to choose an Italian resto to eat lasagna.
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Order lasagna at home
If you are not a good cook or don’t like to cook, you can order some lasagna to be delivered to your home. Don’t forget a bottle of wine to go with it.
5 Crazy Facts About Lasagna
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Green layers
In the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, and especially its capital, Bologna, the lasagne layers are traditionally green, since they mix the dough with spinach or other vegetables.
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Lasagne or lasagna
The Italian word ‘lasagne’ is the plural form, while the singular is lasagna.
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The largest lasagna is 10725 pounds
It was created by Magillo Restaurant and Macro Supermarket on June 20, during the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship in Poland.
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The most expensive lasagna
Made of layers of pasta stuffed with porcini mushrooms, Iberico ham, and Prosciutto di Parma, it is served in Portofino at the Mirage, Las Vegas, and costs $100 a slice.
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Vegetarian and vegan lasagna
If you do not eat meat, there are many recipes for vegetarian or vegan lasagnas.
Why We Love Lasagna Awareness Month
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Everyone loves pasta
Most people in the world love pasta, and thus, lasagna. Sundays are perfect to eat this dish.
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It is delicious
Lasagna is one of the most delicious dishes. The combination of ingredients, such as tomato, cheese, vegetables, meat, ricotta, and cream, you name it, is perfect.
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Many different recipes
Even though lasagna is far from being a healthy dish, you can adapt a recipe and try to make it more so. It does not need to be made exactly like the original if it has too many calories for you.
Lasagna Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
