How to cook pasta?
I recently had an engaging discussion with my colleague Adina about cooking whole grain pasta. My view was that it requires a longer boiling time than regular semolina pasta to taste good, while Adina believed that whole grain pasta tends to become mushy and should be cooked for a shorter duration.
Seeking clarity, we consulted Thomas McNaughton, chef and author of "Flour + Water: Pasta." McNaughton's insights revealed that there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Different grains absorb water at varying rates compared to traditional pasta. The key, he suggests, is to taste test. When cooking, start with a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta, and begin checking earlier than the box's instructions indicate. McNaughton advises looking for a white, floury core in the noodle. As soon as that disappears, the pasta is perfectly done.
McNaughton also addressed the issue of texture. He remarked, "The texture of 100% whole wheat pasta is generally really bad!" For a better texture, he recommends a mix of 50% whole wheat and 50% "00" flour. With grains like farro, spelt, and legumes like lentils, he suggests starting with a 20% alternative flour to 80% "00" or semolina flour blend.
When homemade pasta isn’t feasible, McNaughton recommends brands like Community Grains for quality alternative grain pastas. He also suggests looking for pasta with eggs in the ingredients for added strength.
Additionally, McNaughton highlighted that alternative flours not only boost nutrition but also flavor. For instance, lentil pasta pairs excellently with a cotechino ragù. He notes that the robust flavors of alternative grains can complement richer sauces beautifully.
Ultimately, finding your favorite pasta and sauce combinations is a matter of personal taste. Just like cooking the pasta, the key to a perfect sauce pairing is to let your palate lead the way.
Mastering the Art of Perfect Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking pasta may seem straightforward, but achieving that perfect al dente texture can be a culinary art. Whether you're preparing a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate Italian feast, the following steps will guide you to pasta perfection.
1. Choose Your Pasta: First, select the type of pasta. The shape can influence the dish, from the robustness of rigatoni to the delicateness of angel hair.
2. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water – the more pasta you're cooking, the more water you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to use about 4 quarts of water for every pound of pasta.
3. Salt the Water: Once the water is boiling, add a generous pinch of salt. This doesn’t speed up boiling – rather, it seasons the pasta.
4. Adding the Pasta: Gently add the pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
5. Cooking Time: Follow the package instructions but always taste the pasta a couple of minutes before the end of the recommended cooking time. Perfectly cooked pasta should be 'al dente' – tender but still firm to the bite.
6. Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. This starchy water is a secret ingredient to making silky sauces that cling to your pasta.
7. Drain but Don’t Rinse: Drain the pasta in a colander. Avoid rinsing as it washes away the starches needed for the sauce to adhere.
8. Mixing with Sauce: Immediately mix the pasta with your chosen sauce, adding a splash of pasta water to help bind and emulsify the sauce with the pasta.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta hot, with a garnish of cheese or herbs as desired.
10. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment. Pasta is incredibly versatile – from a light garlic and olive oil dressing to a hearty Bolognese, it can carry a wide range of flavors.
Conclusion: Remember, cooking pasta is as much about intuition as it is about technique. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts – with practice, you’ll find the perfect balance that suits your palate. Also, all Pasta BRIO products are 100% durum wheat pasta for you to enjoy in your recipes. Also like reading, check out Flour + Water: Pasta
Buon Appetito!
