Rediscovering pasta: Why you should never drain "liquid gold
Cooking pasta is one of the fundamental tasks in the kitchen that we often perform almost instinctively. After cooking pasta, we drain it, pouring the water down the sink. However, pasta water, sometimes known as "liquid gold," is a valuable ingredient that can be utilised in many dishes.
22 November 2024 21:42
Pasta forms the basis of many meals, but the method of preparation can affect the taste of the entire dish. Many of us, when draining pasta, pour the cooking water down the sink and additionally rinse the pasta with cold water. These common mistakes not only squander valuable ingredients but can also negatively influence the texture and flavour of the pasta.
What does pasta cooking water contain?
Pasta cooking water is more than just a byproduct of preparing dinner. During cooking, pasta releases starch, giving the water a slightly cloudy appearance and a mildly sticky consistency. This starch acts as a natural thickener, making it an excellent base for sauces and soups. Besides starch, pasta water may also contain a bit of salt if added during cooking, further enriching its flavour.
The components it contains make it a liquid full of culinary possibilities – from improving the consistency of sauces and enhancing the flavour of dishes, to using it in making pizza or bread dough. This is why Italians refer to it as "liquid gold" and never dispose of it without thought. If you know how to use it, it will become an invaluable addition to your kitchen.
Why shouldn't you rinse pasta with cold water?
Rinsing cooked pasta with cold water is a common mistake, especially when preparing warm dishes. Cold water rinses off the layer of starch that helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Starch acts as a natural "glue," enabling pasta to combine seamlessly with the sauce, creating a cohesive, creamy consistency.
Rinsing with cold water only makes sense in the case of pasta salads, where you want to halt the cooking process so that the pasta remains firm and doesn’t stick together. In the case of warm dishes, cold water is the adversary of perfect taste.
Why should you save pasta cooking water?
Pasta cooking water is a treasure trove of starch that gives dishes a creamy texture and enhances flavour. Instead of pouring it down the sink, it’s worthwhile saving at least a cup to add to sauces, soups, or even baked goods.
- For sauces: thanks to the starch, the sauce will become creamier and combine better with the pasta.
- For soups: pasta water will add a delicate thickness to soups.
- For plants: once cooled, the water can be used to water flowers – the minerals it contains will support their growth.
Pasta is a simple ingredient, but proper preparation can elevate its taste to new heights. Avoid rinsing it with cold water, and make use of the cooking water in the kitchen. With these simple changes, your pasta dishes will be more aromatic, creamy, and full of flavour!
