Learn how to make sure you always get that great al dente texture for your pasta.

Any pasta fan will have come across the phrase “al dente.” But what exactly does that mean, and should every pasta be cooked to al dente perfection? The term al dente comes from an Italian phrase that translates as “to the tooth.” This is related to the hardness of the pasta. When cooked correctly, al dente pasta should still be tender but also firm to the bite. It shouldn’t be mushy and fall apart! So how can you cook al dente pasta, and how can you appreciate good al dente when you’ve got it? Read on to find out.  (more…)