The Italian cuisine is incomplete without the various pasta dishes, which in fact is a staple of the quaint European nation. The pasta, with its unique flavour and texture, has conquered the gastronomical world and finds a prime position in the menus of almost all the leading restaurants. Depending upon the shape and size of it, pasta is available in more than 100 different varieties. Macaroni, penne, fusilli or rotini which has a spiral shape and spaghetti are the classic pasta types which are readily available in our super markets.
Angel hair which looks like vermicelli, tube-shaped rigatoni, farfelle or bow tie and rotelle in the shape of a wheel are some of the unique pasta variants. Pasta, cooked in rich tomato sauces and lots of vegetables, meat and sea food are complete meals which are delicious and nutritious. A bowl of rich, creamy pasta can be made by adding generous amounts of cream, butter and a variety of cheeses. The pasta can also be cooked simply by just tossing it in some olive oil, chilli flakes and sea salt.
Homemade pastas have a distinctive flavour and texture which cannot be found in a pack of store bought pasta.
Here are some tips to cook pasta dishes perfectly
Depending upon the shape and the thickness of the pasta, it would take up to 3 -15 minutes to cook the pasta perfectly. The instructions about the cooking time printed on the packets of store bought pasta should be strictly followed. Pasta is usually coked in large vessels. When the water begins to boil add a pinch of soil and some olive oil before throwing in the pasta. Stir it to prevent the pasta from sticking together. The pasta should be cooked al – dente or firm to the bite. It shouldn’t be overcooked or cooked too soft as the pasta would be cooked again in all the sauces and other ingredients to make a delicious plate of food. Creamy sauce, spicy sauce and tomato base sauce are some of the common sauces in which pasta is tossed and cooked.
Here is a simple recipe of pasta primavera, which is creamy and has lots of vegetables.
