Question

Besides boiling it in water and adding salt, what else should one do to make tasty spaghetti?

Answer 1

Making tasty spaghetti involves a few additional steps and ingredients beyond boiling it in water and adding salt. Here are some tips to elevate the flavor of your spaghetti:

1. Use ample water: Use a large pot with plenty of water to cook the spaghetti. For about 8 ounces of pasta, use at least 4-6 quarts of water. This ensures the pasta has enough space to cook evenly and doesn't stick together.

2. Salt the water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the spaghetti. Salting the water enhances the pasta's flavor and prevents it from tasting bland.

3. Cook pasta al dente: Follow the recommended cooking time on the pasta package, but start checking the spaghetti a minute or two before the suggested time. Cook it until it's "al dente," which means it's firm to the bite but not too soft. This gives the pasta a pleasant texture.

4. Sauté aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a separate pan and sauté minced garlic, chopped onions, or shallots until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This adds depth and flavor to the dish.

5. Use quality canned tomatoes or tomato sauce: If you're making a tomato-based sauce, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their excellent flavor.

6. Season the sauce: Season your sauce with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, basil, or any other preferred herbs and spices. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

7. Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld and develop. This helps create a rich and flavorful sauce.

8. Add a splash of pasta water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve a cup of the cooking water. After draining the pasta, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a more cohesive dish.

9. Finish with fresh herbs and cheese: Just before serving, add chopped fresh basil, parsley, or any other herbs you like to the sauce. You can also top the plated spaghetti with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for extra flavor.

By following these steps and using quality ingredients, you'll create a delicious and satisfying plate of spaghetti that goes beyond simple boiled pasta. Enjoy your flavorful creation!