Parmigiana – also known as parmigiana di melanzane, melanzane alla parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan in Australian English – is an extremely popular Italian dish that is made with a shallow or deep-fried sliced eggplant (or aubergine) filling and then layered with mozzarella and parmigiano cheese and tomato sauce, before being baked. It is claimed by both the Southern regions of Campania and Sicily, often being associated with Naples but commons in the Campanian countryside, Calabria and Sicily. However, there are actually several theories about the origin of the dish and some of them don't even pinpoint its origins anywhere in the south of the country.
One of these theories states that the name of the dish derives from parmesan cheese, the predominate cheese used in the dish, which is not native to Naples or other regions of southern Italy. It is argued that the dish actually originated in Parma in northern Italy and that the “parmigiana” in the name refers to the city of Parma. Another argument says that as the parmesan cheese is from Parma, this suggests that Parmigiana is also a product of the city.
However, this is easily denied by many food historians as the cheese has been widely traded and found all around Italy since at least the fourteenth century. A more useful clue from the ingredients is the eggplant, which was first found in Italy in Sicily and the southern regions. Furthermore, it is less famous as a dish in Parma but very popular and common all over the south.
Even the simple name, “Parmigiana”, that suggests connections to the parmesan cheese inside of the city of Parma, may not come from either word. There are many other possible etymologies. Until more solid historic record is found, the exact origins of this dish will remain a bit of a mystery. However, Naples does remain a great place to try it so why not find a vacation rental in Naples and give it a go while you enjoy a wonderful holiday – there's a reason the dish is so famous in this particular city today!
However, this is easily denied by many food historians as the cheese has been widely traded and found all around Italy since at least the fourteenth century. A more useful clue from the ingredients is the eggplant, which was first found in Italy in Sicily and the southern regions. Furthermore, it is less famous as a dish in Parma but very popular and common all over the south.
Even the simple name, “Parmigiana”, that suggests connections to the parmesan cheese inside of the city of Parma, may not come from either word. There are many other possible etymologies. Until more solid historic record is found, the exact origins of this dish will remain a bit of a mystery. However, Naples does remain a great place to try it so why not find a vacation rental in Naples and give it a go while you enjoy a wonderful holiday – there's a reason the dish is so famous in this particular city today!