Pasta Al Dente.
By rakski
@rakski (128116)
Philippines
January 14, 2025 3:05am CST
How would you know if a pasta is al dente?
In my younger years, I was always with my grandma in the kitchen to serve as her assistant and run errand girl. She told me to make sure the pasta is not soggy while oiling I should get a piece and cut it to see if the center of the pasta has a darker color. If it has the same color, then it is all good. If not and you see a darker center it needs more time to cook.
When I get to see my mom cook pasta, she gets one piece and throws it on the wall. She said if it sticks to the wall, then it is ready. If it bounces back, then it needs more time to cook. Last year, I saw a video of Gordon Ramsay in a cooking show with his family and he did the same only throwing it at the ceiling. If it falls, then it is not yet ready. If it sticks, then it is all good. That is a bit funny because if sticks to the ceiling and you cannot reach it, there would be a lot of pasta on your ceiling.
Do you have any special procedures you do?
I tried the cooking time recommended on the back label of the pasta packaging, but it too short time to cook.9 people like this
8 responses
@DaddyEvil (138919)
• United States
14 Jan
If you throw pasta, even slightly cooked, against the wall or ceiling, you'll leave a mark of pasta/water/oil on the paint. That will draw dust and make your wall or ceiling look dirty.
When I cook pasta, either Pretty or I take a piece of the pasta and eat it. If it's chewy, it needs to cook longer. If it chews and feels good and not mushy in your mouth, then it's done.
Yeah, the time on the back of the box usually doesn't cook the pasta long enough. I usually cook it two or three more minutes before testing it for doneness again. 1 person likes this
@arunima25 (88083)
• Bangalore, India
14 Jan
We don't cook pasta very often. When we do, I will check it with edge of a fork. I don't check the cooking time on the packet, they generally take little longer than what is specified.
Pasta on ceiling or wall will spoil the paint of the wall.
1 person likes this
@rakski (128116)
• Philippines
13h
@arunima25 well,somehow it could be fun but if you forgot the noodles at the wall, it is no fun
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (88083)
• Bangalore, India
20h
@rakski Yes, tiles would be easier to clean. Good for you. And I am sure that pasta cooking is fun when you have a fun game way to check
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37428)
• Toccoa, Georgia
6h
I remember my Mom teaching me as a child to throw a strip of pasta at the wall to see if it was cooked.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (6908)
• United Kingdom
14 Jan
Just test it in the pan with the edge of a fork or similar non-sharp item. I don’t worry if it’s cooked beyond al dente, it’s still edible.
1 person likes this
