This Protein Addition Sounds Unusual, But It's Part Of Classic Italian Lasagna - Tasting Table

"Whether you can proudly boast Italian heritage or consider yourself a fan of the cuisine, everyone seems to have a secret ingredient that upgrades homemade lasagna. Some swear by cinnamon or nutmeg in the ricotta, others add anchovy for a richer tomato sauce, and Ina Garten swaps ground beef for turkey sausage. What you don't hear about so much, however, is the addition of hard-boiled eggs, despite the fact that they are a common ingredient in traditional Italian lasagna recipes."

"Once you venture out of this area, you'll find that lasagna recipes vary significantly, and in the south of the country, these include hard-boiled eggs. In Naples, this is the ultra-decadent lasagna napoletana. As a recipe usually reserved for carnevale and other special occasions, it's a celebration of rich (and expensive) ingredients. Layered between the pasta, along with the sliced hard-boiled eggs, you will find pork ragu, mini meatballs, salami, and up to four kinds of cheeses."

"Sicilian lasagna is a less indulgent affair, but delicious, nonetheless. For Italians, what sets this recipe apart is the use of peas in the ragu, but with a layer of chopped hard-boiled eggs, spinach, and sometimes salami, you'll find this significantly different from the classic Italian-American lasagna. There's no need to wait for a special occasion to add hard-boiled eggs to your lasagna; they can be easily incorporated into your favorite recipe - even if you prefer the northern Italian style."

Lasagna recipes differ widely across Italy, with the U.S. version rooted in northern lasagna bolognese while southern variations often include hard-boiled eggs. Neapolitan lasagna napoletana is an ultra-decadent, celebratory dish layered with sliced hard-boiled eggs, pork ragu, mini meatballs, salami, and multiple cheeses. Sicilian lasagna commonly features peas in the ragu and layers of chopped hard-boiled eggs, spinach, and sometimes salami. Hard-boiled eggs can be added to any lasagna style to increase protein, make the dish more filling, and provide a contrasting flavor to rich meat and tomato sauces. Eggs are commonly sliced or chopped between layers.

Read at Tasting Table