Making authentic Italian pasta means cooking your pasta al dente. Keep reading to learn more about this quintessential Italian term and learn how to cook your pasta al dente — just like they do in Italy.
What Is Pasta al Dente?
“Dente” means “tooth” in Italian. The term “pasta al dente” refers to the sensation of biting pasta.
Pasta al dente is firm to the teeth; the exterior layer is soft, while the core remains compact but flexible.
The opposite of pasta al dente is overcooked pasta, which is almost a capital sin in Italy. If asked to choose between a plate of mushy pasta or no pasta at all, most Italians would prefer the second option.
There are three basic terms to talk about pasta in Italian. Only pasta al dente is considered acceptable:
- Cruda: Raw
- Ben cotta: Well cooked
- Scotta: Overcooked
- Al dente
How to Cook Pasta al Dente?
Believe it or not, even Italians have a hard time explaining what “al dente” actually means. It’s something you feel, not something you explain.
This means that the best way to know if your pasta is al dente is by pulling out a piece of pasta while it’s still boiling in the pot and biting it. Your teeth will tell you whether your pasta is al dente or not.
Italians love to say that pasta may be a simple dish but it still requires a lot of attention — and they’re right.
The concept of “set it and forget it” is not really part of Italian culture. The cooking time on the package of your pasta is just a useful reference. It’s only by tasting the pasta yourself that you can make sure it’s al dente.
Here are some tips Italian use to ensure that their pasta is al dente:
- As soon as you drop the pasta into the pot, turn it gently using a ladle or a big spoon.
- Remember: your pasta needs attention. While it boils, you can begin cooking the sauce; this way you won’t get bored while you wait for your pasta to be ready.
- Italians use 1 liter (4.2 cups) of water for every 100 grams of pasta. Once the pasta is boiling, they add 10 grams of salt for every liter of water.
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