To cook the perfect pasta

When it comes to pasta, there are various ways to cook it depending on the recipes and the ingredients in which the pasta is going to be mix with. Knowing when the pasta requires being slightly undercooked or slightly overcooking is something that is learned with experiences.

One thing to not forget is that pasta comes in different textures, densities and that some pasta requires a longer time to cook while some will take about seven to ten min to cook. To master pasta cooking it takes an ability to recognize the thickness of the pasta by just looking at it, to be able to recognize when the pasta will require less than 15 min to cook by just looking at the pasta density.

With that said; there is a technique, I am going to share with you on how to cook the perfect pasta and how to have control over the way you want it to be or turn out.

It will require

• Pasta

• Water

• Salt

1. Add water into a pot; then add some salt in the water. Pasta will absorb some salt from that water so remember to add enough salt for the water to be salted but not too salted; one or two tablespoons of salt will be enough depending on the quantity or amount of water added.

2. Let the water boiled on medium heat, wait until the water boiled to add the pasta.

3. After the water boiled; add the pasta let it boil for 5 min while stirring to make sure the pasta does not stick at the bottom and do not cover the pot.

4. After letting the pasta boil for 5 min, turn off the oven heat and let the pasta cook in the hot water for 5 to 15 min depending on the pasta thickness. After the pasta is cooked throw away the water or leaves it as a base for a sauce. The pasta water can be used for stews, broth or any sauces.

Tips: if the water gets completely cold and the pasta is not at the right consistency; turn on the oven and let the water come to a boil a second time. After the water boiled turn off the heat and let, the pasta continues its cooking in the hot water.

This technique not only helps the pasta to absorb flavors added in the boiling water it also helps to have more or better control over the consistency of your pasta. If you want to add flavors in the pasta broth, like fresh herbs they should be added while the oven heat is off. Do not forget to taste your pasta to see if it is at the right consistency or at the consistency desired.

#pasta #cookingtips