How to cook perfect pasta – dedicated to my sweetheart

Does this sound too simplistic?

You have no idea how many arguments I often have with my poor other half about cooking pasta. If you lived with me well you would find that it is not that easy.. at least in the kitchen!

I cannot help it, it tears my heart apart watching him draining pasta: he shakes it so vigorously until no more water drains out… he must love his pasta bone dry.. 😕

“I told you so many times not to dry pasta like that!”.  And he shrugs his shoulders thinking…well I am not saying.

So today I have come up with a quick tutorial which will be useful in my household too!

Ready steady..

Fill a large pan with plenty of cold water without coming up to the edge. When it is boiling add the salt.

Pop your pasta in the pan.

Mix it now and again whilst it is cooking to avoid it sticking together.

Check cooking time shown on the package but always taste your pasta before draining it. Eating pasta “al dente” makes it easier to digest.

Whilst it cooks prepare your sauce. My favourite is a simple tomato sauce with fresh basil and olive oil.

Use a timer. Ten to twelve minutes is usually needed for top-quality pasta, but often timing varies according to shape and quality. Test it after the first 8 minutes or so and then continue checking it from time to time.

Drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t drain it too thoroughly: its good to have a few drops of moisture still clinging; this prevents the pasta from becoming too dry.

Add the sauce mixing well.

A sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil is always a good idea.. Buon Appetito!

So my lovely, did you read this carefully? No more excuses next time!

Tip: Once you have cooked it pasta “dies” quickly. It gets cool, sticky and gluey, so don’t hang around serve it quickly and eat it quickly.

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