If you’re looking for Italian food ‘near me,’ the search can be tiresome. In fact, here in New Hampshire, there are over one hundred restaurants offering Italian cuisine. So, where do you start? Who provides a truly authentic experience? At Prosciutto’s Pizza, we’d like to think the search begins with the history. The history of the restaurant and the meals they offer, for instance, are excellent items to consider.
At Prosciutto’s we love history and we love offering it to our customers even more so! With this in mind, we’re dedicating this article to one of the oldest, most popular Italian offerings on the menu – lasagna.
Lasagnum
Originating in Italy, the word “lasagna” comes from the Greek word “lasagnum,” which means “cooking pot.” The dish is made with layers of pasta, meat or vegetables, and cheese or a meat-based sauce. The earliest known recipe for lasagna dates back to the 14th century, in a medieval cookbook called “Liber de Coquina.”
To cheese or not to cheese?
This early version of lasagna was made with a meat-based sauce and did not include cheese. Yes, you read that correctly. Over time, the dish evolved, and different regions of Italy began to develop variations of lasagna. In the 16th century, the city of Bologna became famous for its lasagna, which was made with a meat-based sauce and a layer of cheese. This lasagna version is now considered the traditional Italian version of the dish.
In the 19th century, Italian immigrants brought lasagna across the sea to the United States. The dish quickly became popular in American cuisine and was often modified to suit American tastes. One popular version of American lasagna is made with meat and tomato sauce and layered with ricotta cheese and mozzarella.
Today’s Most Popular Variation
By the 20th century, lasagna became popular worldwide, and many different dish variations have since developed. One of the most unique variations and popular offerings today is vegetarian lasagna. Veggie lasagna is highly customizable but often includes vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, and bell peppers.
The Most Authentic Italian Food ‘Near Me’
Now that you’re geared up for trivia night, it’s time to excite your taste buds with some of the best Italian food in NH! We invite you to dine in, take out, or try delivery from Prosciutto’s Pizza! For over two decades, the Gallos family has proudly been the Italian food ‘near me’ go to in Southern NH. Offering fresh ingredients, handmade dishes, and authentic recipes – we promise you’ll be glad you gave them a try!
