Pasta is a type of food typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or other shapes, then cooked by boiling or baking.
When eaten in moderation, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. Whole-grain pasta may be a better choice for many, as it is lower in calories and carbs but higher in fiber and nutrients. However, in addition to the type of pasta you pick, what you top it with is just as important.
Why do people like Pasta
It tastes good and it’s filling. It also has a long shelf life, so you can keep it in the larder until you need to put a meal together.” But that’s only part of its success. Pasta is also relatively easy to mass produce and transport around the world, making it a popular product with food companies as well.
- Pasta is low in sodium. Many foods high in salt content can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- It’s low in fat. Pasta by itself has just slightly more than half a gram of fat per serving.
- Pasta can help keep blood sugar regulated due to its low glycemic index. This can also help prevent diabetes and obesity.
- Pasta stays good for a very long time. Both dry and frozen pastas have shelf life of several months.
- Pasta can be gluten-free so those with gluten sensitivities don’t have to miss out!
- Pasta can even be eaten for dessert!
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- All-purpose flour – In the past, I thought you needed 00 flour or semolina flour to make great fresh pasta, but this homemade pasta recipe proved me wrong. In it, regular all-purpose flour yields chewy, bouncy noodles every time.
- Eggs – The key ingredient for adding richness and moisture to the dough!
- Olive oil – Along with the eggs, a splash of olive oil moistens the dough and helps it come together.
- Salt – Add it to the dough and the pasta water for the best flavor.
How to cook Pasta
Step 1: Boil Water
Start with a very large pot of water, about 6 quarts per pound of pasta. Bring it to a rapid boil.
Step 2: Add Salt
Put in a lot of salt, about 3 tablespoons. If you taste the water, it should taste like the sea.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Drop in the pasta while the water is at a boil and give it a gentle stir.
Step 4: Stir
Stir it occasionally while it cooks. Use the cooking time on the pasta package as a guide.
Step 5: Taste the Pasta
But watch out — it’s hot! Sample the pasta at about 2 minutes shy of the indicated time. It should be al dente. You’ll finish cooking it in the sauce.
Step 6: Drain
Drain the pasta. Just be sure to save about 1 cup of the pasta water. If you have a pot with a colander insert, use it to drain the pasta. If not, drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink.
Step 7: Removing Ravioli
If you’re cooking ravioli, use a slotted skimmer and gently lift the ravioli a few at a time.
Step 8: Stir In the Sauce
Add the pasta to your sauce and finish cooking it in the sauce. Give it a stir to coat.
Step 9: Add Pasta Water
Ladle a few tablespoons of the pasta water at a time until you have the right consistency to your sauce. Remember, the pasta will absorb the liquid. Tip: Pasta water helps to thicken the sauce.
Step 10: Buon Appetito!
Simmer over medium-low heat — it’ll help the pasta soak up the sauce. Follow your recipe’s instructions for finishing the dish. And that’s all there is to it. Perfecto!
What can Pasta be served together with
- Cheesy Garlic Bread. The Spruce / Kristina Vanni.
- Sautéed Zucchini.
- Brussels Sprouts Dill Salad.
- Pull-Apart Garlic Bread.
- Grilled Caesar Salad.
- Roasted Whole Artichokes.
- Crusty No-Knead Bread.
- Baked Eggplant.
Other popular Italian food
Besides Pasta, there are other Italian food dishes that are highly popular in Singapore and around the world. Below is a list of some of the most mentioned ones:
- Arancini
- Arrosticini
- Bagna Cauda
- Fiorentina
- Focaccia
- Frico
- Fritto misto piemontese
- Gelato (Ice cream)
- Gnocchi
- I formaggi ( the Cheeses)
- Il Tartufo (The Truffle)
- Lasagne
- Minestrone
- Olive Ascolante (Ascoli olives)
- Panzerotto fritto (Fried Panzerotto)
- Pasta
- Pesto Alla Genovese
- Pizza
- Polenta
- Prosciutto di Parma (Parma Ham)
- Ribollita
- Risotto
- Sardine in Saor
- Tiramisù
- Tortelli and Ravioli