easy pasta recipe
 

Cooking Pasta
 
The basic cooking method most often used for cooking pasta is boiling. Pasta cooking can be accomplished with a minimal amount of equipment. The only pieces of equipment that are necessary are a large pot, a large spoon, and a colander.

Dried and fresh pasta usually come with cooking instructions. It is best to follow these instructions explicitly as pastas are made from different ingredients and the pasta maker will be most familiar with the best results achieved in cooking their product.

Fresh and homemade pasta take a lot less time to cook than dried pasta. Some types can be done in less than 30 seconds after the pasta comes back to a full boil. It is important to have the colander ready for draining, the sauce ready to be added and serving dishes waiting before adding fresh pasta to boiling water.

When boiling pasta it is important to use a sufficient amount of water, generally a quart of water per 4 ounces of pasta is satisfactory. Using additional water is beneficial in that it is easier to maintain a constant temperature during the cooking period, which allows the pasta to cook more evenly.

It is not advised to add oil to the water when cooking pasta, however if the pasta is not going to be served with a suace, mixing a very small amount of oil, butter or the cooking water will help prevent the pasta from sticking when served.






 

 
 
Cooking Suggestions:

· Heat water over high heat and add one tablespoon of salt to the water as it begins to boil.

· When the water has reached full boil, add all pasta and stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

· Once the pasta is added, the water may cool slightly so it is important to continue to cook on high until the water comes to a full boil again. Then the heat should be turned down slightly but left high enough for the water to maintain a steady boil.

· Check the pasta for doneness a couple of times through the cooking period. The best way to check for doneness is to remove a piece of pasta from the boiling water and taste test it.

· The pasta should be cooked to an "al dente" state, which is Italian for "to the tooth." This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slightly firm bite. Do not let the pasta become too soft. The amount of time it takes pasta to cook depends on the ingredients of the pasta, its size, its shape, and its thickness.

· Have the colander in the sink ready for draining the pasta before the pasta is done cooking. When the pasta is done, immediately remove from the heat.

· Drain the pasta as quickly as possible because it will continue to cook in the hot water. Gently shake the colander to remove most of the excess water. Leaving a little water on the pasta will help keep the pasta from sticking together.