Step by step: how to cook perfect pasta

Read in EnglishPasta is one of the richest, most versatile, and varied foods: spaghetti, macaroni, noodles, fusilli, and other shapes of pasta are part of the daily diet of many households around the world. This staple of the Mediterranean diet can be combined with a wide variety of sauces, and it is also a great accompaniment to salads and meats. It is a food that has been incorporated into the diet of most countries in the world.Due to its numerous variations, there are several tricks, as well as several myths for preparing it, and although there is no wrong way to cook pasta, here we are going to give you some excellent tips to make it perfect.Amount of WaterPasta should be cooked in plenty of water, the ratio should be the weight of the pasta multiplied by 10. For example: if you are cooking 100 g of pasta, then the ideal would be to use at least one liter of water. Water is essential because during cooking, pasta loses starch, and being well-hydrated will prevent it from sticking.Oil, yes or no?One of the most common mistakes is adding oil or butter; however, this is something you should avoid, as it does not add flavor, and the oil will cause the pasta to acquire a layer that will make it slippery. If you don't want it to stick, the only thing you need to do is calculate the right amount of water to use for cooking.Salt, when to add it?You should add salt after the water has started to boil because if you do it before, you will delay the boiling. To know how much salt is correct, keep in mind this rule: the ratio of salt to water should be approximately one tablespoon of salt per liter of water; it may sound like a lot, but most of the salt will remain in the water when you drain it. Another tip we can give you is to use coarse salt instead of fine salt, as coarse salt is easier to measure.PastaThe pasta should be added to the water once it has boiled and after the salt; keep the heat high enough to ensure that the water does not stop boiling at any time. It is not necessary to cover the pot or stir the pasta more than once, since if you added plenty of water, the movement of the bubbles will be enough to keep the pasta moving without the need to stir.Cooking TimeThe cooking time depends on the type of pasta, the water temperature, and the type of pasta, but generally, it is recommended for 5 to 7 minutes. If you are going to mix it with sauce and cook it a little longer, 5 minutes is enough. If the package of pasta recommends cooking for 10 minutes, it will be al dente in 5 to 7 minutes. If you are using the pasta for a salad, it is advisable to cook it for 6 to 7 minutes and cool it to stop the cooking.SauceA couple of minutes before the cooking is finished, heat the sauce in a pot or skillet. If you prepared the sauce, it can be in the same container as the preparation, in the case of hot sauces.Final StepsDrain the pasta in a colander and pour it into the skillet or pot with the previously heated sauce. Sauté the pasta over high heat for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to ensure an even distribution of sauce. If you notice that the pasta is a little dry, you can add a few tablespoons of water. Remove the skillet from the heat after 30 seconds to prevent the pasta from overcooking.If you follow these tips, we guarantee that you will have perfect pasta, although when it comes to cooking, tastes vary, and creativity will be your best ally.