Perfect PastaMake the perfect plate of pasta every time by following these tips
You don’t need to have an Italian heritage to learn how to achieve perfection when it comes to cooking pasta. Follow these simple tips to achieve the perfect al dente pasta for your favorite soups, salads and meals.
Tip #1: Use plenty of cold water
It is important to boil at least four to six quarts of water in a large pot for cooking pasta. If the pot is too small or there is not enough water, the pasta will clump and stick together. It is also important to fill the pot with cold water and bring it to a full boil before adding the pasta. Using cold water helps to keep contaminants in your water pipes from tainting your pasta. Also keep in mind that if you add pasta to the water before it reaches a full boil, you run the risk of ending up with mushy pasta. Boiling water helps to “set” the outside of the pasta which prevents the pasta from sticking together and breaking down quickly.
Tip #2: Keep a careful eye on your pasta during cooking
Pasta can easily go from al dente to mushy in a matter of minutes. Be sure to watch your pasta carefully, beginning to test it for doneness as early as four minutes into cooking time. If the boiling water begins to build foam, slightly lower the heat to keep cooking under control. Also, be sure to stir your pasta when you first place it in the water as well as periodically during cooking to avoid clumping. If the pasta is going to be used in a baked dish like lasagna, reduce the suggested cooking time by one third.
Tip #3: Learn when to drain and rinse (or not to rinse)
Pasta should be drained immediately after it has reached the desired doneness. Letting pasta sit in warm water will cause it to break down. Keep in mind that pasta should be rinsed under cold water only if it will be used in a cold dish or if it isn’t going to be served immediately. Be sure to thoroughly drain the pasta after rinsing.
Tip #4: Keeping pasta from sticking or clumping
Some chefs recommend adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to cooked pasta to prevent it from sticking together. This is an acceptable method for pasta that will be stored without sauce for later use. However, if you will be serving your pasta immediately, tossing it with sauce will keep it from sticking. Added oil will cause the sauce to have trouble adhering to the pasta, making your dish appear runny and oily.
Tip #5: Adopt proper storage methods
Keep your pasta fresh by following correct storage guidelines. Uncooked pasta should be stored in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Cooked pasta should be stored separately from sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for three to five days. Pasta should only be frozen if it will be used in a baked recipe like lasagna. The best way to freeze a baked dish is to prepare it as normal, place it in the freezer, then thaw to room temperature before baking as directed.
Sources:
National Pasta Association. Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.ilovepasta.org/faqs.html
Zerega. Pasta 101. http://www.zerega.com/pastasem.html
The Nibble. Pasta Cooking Tips. http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/pastas/cooking-tips.asp
What’s Cooking America. Pasta Hints and Tips. http://whatscookingamerica.net/Pasta_Rice_Main/pasta.htm
