Tips to Make the Perfect Pasta
Pasta is one of those dishes that can get you out of trouble at any time. It’s a quick, filling and makes a hearty meal that can look ultra fancy when done properly. But in spite of the many benefits of pasta, cooking the best one isn’t as simple as it sounds. So if you’re looking to master the art of cooking a soft yet firm enough pasta, here are the best tips to do so without burning your pots while trying!
Use enough salt, and season at the right time
One of the most common things that happen with pasta is that they end up lacking enough seasoning, hence the need to pour over the salt shaker over your hot plate. But if you learn how to season at the right time this doesn’t have to happen. Use a big amount of salt when you’re cooking the pasta, allowing it to absorb a mild flavor that won’t go unnoticed.
Use plenty of water
Don’t be afraid to let the water run down your pot. Most people don’t know that pasta needs to be cooked in huge amounts of water so that, when the pasta begins to expand, there’s plenty of room for it to move freely without sticking. It’s also important to have a few liters of water because adding the pasta to the boiling water will uneven the temperature and it’ll need to bounce back quickly.
Don’t add oil to the pasta water!
Some people feel the need to add oil to the water when the pasta is cooking because they say this will prevent the pasta from going sticky and starchy. This is actually a huge mistake! Oil will just make your pasta greasy and create a thick coat that’ll make it impossible for sauces to absorb correctly on it. Save the oil for the salad!
Keep stirring
The minute you drop your pasta in the boiling water, you need to start stirring gently but often. By doing this you’re making sure the starches that get instantly released from the pasta don’t make it stick together or to the sides of the pot. After you drop the pasta in you can keep stirring occasionally for the first few minutes, then you can let it cook on it’s own safely.
Reserve cooking water for later
Remember that in the kitchen you always need to be prepared! That’s why it’s always a good idea to reserve some of the cooking water left from the pasta for later. If you’re making your own sauce mix and it’s not getting to the right texture, pasta water is filled with pasta starches that’ll instantly thicken the sauce and make it glossy without adding any extra flavor.
Boil water really well before adding the pasta
Another rookie mistake by amateur pasta lovers. The water will start absorbing the starches from the pasta the minute they get in contact, so you need to make sure the water is boiling (like, really hot) so it can begin cooking the noodles instantly and properly. Whenever you add the pasta too soon and the water isn’t hot enough, you’ll end up with soggy and raw noodles of pasta.
This dish can get you out of trouble when you’re in a hurry and need a filling dinner, but if you learn how to cook it correctly, pasta can actually become your best friend and a go-to for any occasion!