Cooking pasta may seem like one of the simplest tasks in the kitchen. But the flavor can improve if you add some easy preparation steps and learn the best way to store it. Cooking pasta ahead of time and reheating it can also be a great way to prepare meals.
So you should boil it
Along with rice, bread, cheese, and sweets, it is usually one of the first foods to cut down on your diet when you embark on a weight loss process. But it turns out that carbs can be good for you if you choose the right type and prepare it well. Plus, learning the best ways to store cooked pasta can help you plan healthier meals for the week.
Although classic pasta (which is generally made from refined flours) can be part of a healthy diet if eaten in moderation, whole wheat pasta is really where the health benefits lie. This is because the integral is rich in fiber, protein, magnesium and zinc.
Start by pouring water into a large pot. Although many pasta containers suggest that you cook your pasta in about 5 liters of water, you may be able to get away with something less. The Barilla Academy, meanwhile, says that a liter of water for every 100 grams of pasta is ideal.
Next, you’ll want to add a good amount of salt. Putting at least two tablespoons of salt in the pot of water, making a kind of mixture of sea water, will help to give your pasta a little flavor while it is boiling. This way, you won’t have to pay as much later.
Bring the water to a full boil. Add the pasta to the water and you will see that the boil will decrease as the pasta cools the water initially. However, the water will return to a full boil and you will want to stir it occasionally to avoid sticking.
Boiling time depends on the size and type of pasta. The fresh one, for example, will take much less time to boil, and is a little more complicated. The dry one can take between 7 and 10 minutes of boiling before it is ready.
Once it begins to soften, you can scoop out a slice, wait for it to cool, and then test to see if it’s done. You want it to be soft, but not too soft, and a bit chewy when you bite into it. This is what cooking pasta al dente means , the Italian term literally meaning “for the tooth”.
Drain, throw, serve
Before draining, take a cup of water out of your pot and set it aside. Surprisingly, this starchy water can be a great little addition to your pasta recipes, as mixing it with sauces or pasta in a pan can add flavor.
Then, drain it in a strainer, and then pour it back into your pot or into a clean pan, depending on the dish you are making. If you like simple dishes as an accompaniment to meat or vegetables, simply add a little olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic to the pot and stir. Serve on a plate and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
If you want to try a more specific dish, such as cacio e pepe (“cheese and pepper”), you can try putting it in a pan. In it, you will melt the butter with crushed pepper for about a minute. Add half of your cup of saved pasta water and simmer, then add the pasta and butter. Stir over low heat.
Once everything is mixed, remove the pan from the heat and add the Pecorino cheese, stirring the whole thing until it melts. Serve the pasta hot. This is a great way to cook ahead of time and reheat later.
How to store cooked pasta?
The most common is to make a great dish, forget how abundant it can be and you will have a large amount of leftovers. Instead of throwing it away that night, why not save it for the next few nights? Cooking ahead and reheating later can help you save time on a busy schedule. Storing it cooked can also help save money by not wasting leftovers.
The best way to store it is in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make sure you eat the pasta within two to five days. When preparing leftovers, heat them completely in the microwave or in the pan before eating.
Another useful tip may be to store it, with the sauce separately. If you’ve made a red meat sauce, for example, store it in a separate container instead of mixing it. However, it may also be a good idea to add a little olive oil before storing, to help prevent a compact block from forming.
The best way to store it for a long period of time is to store it in airtight bags and freeze it. Storing the cooked in the freezer will keep your pasta good for several weeks and even for a few months. This way, when you’re home after a long day at work, you can simply defrost and reheat.
