Perfectly cooked pasta doesn’t have to have you scratchhing your head each time. This simple recipe is your go to guide for success every time
Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g pasta of your choice
- 4l water
- 1-2 tablespoons salt
Instructions:
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4l of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add Salt: Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water. This enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Add Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check for Doneness: Taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the end of the recommended cooking time. It should be “al dente” (firm to the bite).
- Drain Pasta: When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander. If desired, you can save a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favourite sauce or as directed in your recipe.
Tips:
Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce – keep some aside before fully draining
Use a timer: Guessing when 8-12 minutes is up can be a roll of the dice. Setting a timer gives you the exact time to check your pasta, stops you from being distraced and ensures your pasta doesn’t over cook. When choosing what time to set, if the packet suggests 10-12 minutes, start with 10 and then check your pasta. It is always easier to let it keep cooking then to try and save overcooked pasta
Use the right size pot: Pasta likes to dance in the water – leave it enough room to boil and move and it won’t stick. Putting olive oil in the water is a myth – unfortunately it really does nothing!
Check the packet – not all pastas of the same type may cook the same. Different brands may have different ratios of ingredients so always double check the packet for their suggestion
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