Lasagna is one of the oldest forms of pasta recorded. It probably corresponds to the Latin "Lagana" (which in turn was derived from the Greek "laganon": large, flat sheet of pasta cut into strips) and it began to be known as "Lasagna" probably after the year 1000 AD. The first traces of the widespread use of the term "Lasagna" can be found in the works of the most renowned 12th century Italian poets. "Granel di pepe vince / per virtù la lasagna", (a peppercorn beats lasagna for virtue) states Jacopone da Todi. Cecco Angiolieri,on the other hand, warns his readers, "chi de l'altrui farina fa lasagne / il su' castello non ha ne muro ne fosso" (He who makes lasagna with another's flour / his castle will have no walls or moat).
It has long been one of the most well-known and popular types of pasta in Italian cooking, and the simplest and most commonly used recipe calls for a ragù, béchamel and parmesan, although mozzarella has also been introduced more recently.
Delicious "white" versions are also quite commonplace with sauces made from mushrooms and vegetables.
Available in 500g packs
Strozzapreti are little sticks of pasta, similar to thin bucatini, about 5-6 cm long, wrapped around a knitting needle.
The fairly thick pasta and the typical rough surface enhance the flavour of the sauce.
Strozzapreti go very well not only with classic ragù, but also with other sauces, for example, made by sautéing lard, bacon, parsley with a sprinkling of pepper and grated parmesan or ragùs made from mushrooms or beans. Excellent with sausage, cream and rocket.
Available in 250g packs