Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Tips: Don't Oil the Pasta Water

Many people believe that putting a splash of oil in the pasta water while the pasta is cooking will keep it from sticking together.  Unfortunately thats not really the case.  When cooked correctly the pasta shouldn't stick together at all. Its important to use plenty of water and a large pot, this alone should keep any pasta from sticking to each other.

To further illustrate why the oil doesn't matter think about the water and oil themselves.  The oil doesn't mix with the water.  The pasta is under the water.  There is no way for the oil to actually coat the pasta while it is submerged.  When you drain it, only add oil if that is part of your sauce (i.e. an oil and garlic or herb sauce).  If you plan on using a tomato or cream sauce avoid putting any oil on it as the oil will keep the sauce from sticking to the pasta.

1 comment:

  1. "To further illustrate why the oil doesn't matter think about the water and oil themselves. The oil doesn't mix with the water. The pasta is under the water. There is no way for the oil to actually coat the pasta while it is submerged."

    ^I love this because it is sarcastic and blunt and science. thanks!

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