If The Spaghetti Sticks To The Wall
Have you ever heard the old saying, "If the spaghetti sticks to the wall, it's done"? This is a common method used by many people to determine if their pasta is cooked to perfection. But is there any truth to this popular kitchen myth? In this article, we'll explore the science behind spaghetti sticking to the wall and whether or not it's a reliable way to cook your pasta.
Why Does Spaghetti Stick To The Wall?
The reason that spaghetti sticks to the wall is due to the starch content in the pasta. When pasta is cooked in boiling water, the starches on the surface of the pasta absorb some of the water and swell up. As the pasta continues to cook, the starches on the outside of the pasta begin to break down and become more sticky, causing the pasta to cling together.
When you throw a piece of pasta against the wall, some of the starches on the outside of the pasta stick to the wall, causing the pasta to stay in place. If your pasta is fully cooked, it will have enough starch on the surface to stick to the wall. However, if it's still undercooked, it won't have enough starch to stick and will fall off the wall.
Is It A Reliable Way To Cook Pasta?
While the spaghetti sticking to the wall method may seem like a fun and easy way to determine if your pasta is ready, it's not the most reliable method. The best way to cook pasta is to follow the instructions on the packaging and taste the pasta periodically to see if it's cooked to your liking.
Additionally, not all types of pasta will stick to the wall equally. Some pasta, like egg noodles, will not stick at all, regardless of whether or not they are fully cooked. Others, like angel hair pasta, will stick even if they are overcooked.
Tips For Cooking Perfect Pasta
So, how can you ensure that your pasta is cooked perfectly every time? Here are some tips:
- Use a large pot of salted water to cook your pasta. The water should be salty like the sea.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking together.
- Start tasting the pasta a few minutes before the suggested cooking time.
- Drain the pasta when it's cooked to your liking, but reserve a cup of the pasta water to use in your sauce if needed.
By following these tips, you'll be able to cook perfect pasta every time.
The Bottom Line
While the spaghetti sticking to the wall method may be a fun way to determine if your pasta is ready, it's not the most reliable method. The best way to cook pasta is to follow the instructions on the packaging and taste the pasta periodically to see if it's cooked to your liking.
By using the tips mentioned above, you'll be able to cook perfect pasta every time without relying on kitchen myths like spaghetti sticking to the wall.