Here are five long-held beliefs about cooking pasta that are just plain wrong. Don't feel bad, though; most of us were taught these same things and did them for many years!
1. Myth: Throw a piece of pasta against the wall. If it sticks, it's perfectly cooked.
Truth: Both undercooked and overcooked pasta can stick to the wall, and stickiness has nothing to do with tenderness. Pasta is naturally starchy and is coated in a thin layer that acts like glue. Instead, taste your pasta periodically during the cooking process to make sure your pasta is perfectly al dente. Click here to learn all about the sticky-pasta starch.2. Myth: Adding salt to water makes it boil faster.
Truth: According to Curiosity, adding salt to water will actually do the opposite and increase the boiling point. Salt is used to season the pasta, not speed things up.3. Myth: Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking will prevent it from getting mushy.
Truth: Unless you want to quickly cool pasta for a salad, rinsing should be avoided. Rinsing removes all of the pasta's starchy goodness and changes its silky texture. Learn more about the appropriate times to rinse your pasta (and when not to) here.4. Myth: Adding olive oil to the water will prevent your pasta from sticking to itself.
Truth: According to chef Fabio Viviani, adding oil to your water is a waste and will not prevent sticking. He recommends simply giving it a good stir instead.5. Myth: Breaking pasta in half will make it cook faster.
Truth: Breaking pasta in half will help you fit it into a pot, but it won't cook it any faster. The cooking time depends on the diameter of the pasta, not the length, and breaking it in half will only leave you with shorter strands. Read more about the ~controversial~ act of breaking pasta here.
Were you surprised by any of these pasta myths? What are some of your favorite tips for cooking perfect pasta? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Article Source: Buzzfeed
Delicious