Among gastronomic disputes in Italy, one of the most heated and difficult debates to resolve regards the recipe for eggplant parmigiana. In fact, the origins of this extraordinary dish are quite dubious: It is disputed by Sicily, Naples, and Parma. What’s the truth? Let’s take a journey back in time.

Where does the word ‘parmigiana’ come from?

The eggplant arrived in Italy during the 15th century – when the Arabs brought it from India. This part of the story already takes us to Sicily: According to this thesis, the city of Parma has nothing to do with it – not even the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.