Are you sure you’re cooking your pasta correctly? 🤔
If you add oil to the cooking water to prevent it from sticking, you are making a major mistake! 😱 This widely used tip is actually counterproductive and could ruin your dish…
👉 In this article, discover the mistake everyone makes, why it is problematic, and most importantly, how to avoid it to achieve perfect pasta every time.
The fatal mistake: Adding oil to the cooking water! 🚨
You’ve probably heard it before: “Put a drizzle of oil in the water, that way the pasta won’t stick.” FALSE! ❌
Why is it a bad idea?
👉 The oil stays on the surface and does not mix with the water. Result: it does not prevent the pasta from sticking.
👉 It creates a greasy film on the pasta, making it slippery and preventing the sauce from adhering properly.
👉 It’s useless and can also alter the taste of your dish!
The real tips for perfect pasta 🍝
1️⃣ Use enough water
💡 Golden rule: 1 liter of water for 100g of pasta. Too little water = concentrated starch = sticky pasta!
2️⃣ Salt the water at the right time
Add a generous pinch of salt (10g/liter) once the water is boiling. This gives flavor to the pasta from the inside. 🧂
3️⃣ Stir from the beginning
Right after adding the pasta, stir them immediately and several times during cooking. This prevents the pasta from sticking together. 👌
4️⃣ Don’t overcook
Follow the instructions on the package and taste 1 minute before the end. The pasta should be al dente: firm to the bite. ⏳
5️⃣ Save a little cooking water
Before draining, take a ladle of cooking water. 🌊 It contains starch, perfect for binding the sauce and making it creamier.
6️⃣ Mix immediately with the sauce
Never leave the pasta “naked” after cooking! 🔥 Add them directly to the sauce so they absorb the flavors.
Common mistakes you might still be making 😬
⛔ Putting pasta in cold water → Always in boiling water! ♨️
⛔ Rinsing pasta after cooking → This removes the starch = goodbye sauce that sticks. 😭
⛔ Throwing away all the cooking water → It’s a treasure for the sauce! 🏆
⛔ Leaving pasta drained for too long → They stick in a few minutes if they aren’t mixed with a sauce.
The ultimate tip from Italian chefs 🇮🇹
Cook the pasta 1 to 2 minutes less, then finish them directly in the sauce with a ladle of cooking water. They absorb flavors better and the texture is perfect! 👌
Share your experience! ⬇️
And you, have you ever made this mistake? What is your best tip for successful pasta cooking? Let us know in the comments! 💬
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
