The Meaning of ‘Al Dente’

In this segment of The Marc and Mandy Show, Chef Massimo Capra explains what ‘Al Dente’ means when cooking. To learn more, check out the video above or keep reading for some tips on cooking al dente.

What does the term ‘al dente’ mean?

In cooking, al dente describes pasta or rice that is cooked to be tender but firm to the bite. Al dente food is never mushy.

Tips for cooking ‘al dente’:

• When cooking pasta, the approximate cooking time to achieve al dente is usually written on the packaging. 
• If you’re going with the recommended cooking time, start testing pasta for al dente status starting at two minutes before the suggested cook time on the packaging.
• If there’s no recommend cooking time, cook your pasta until you see a tiny white dot in the center of the pasta. The dot represents the center of the pasta is slightly undercooked, which will give the pasta the ‘bite’ necessary to be al dente.
• Do not rinse pasta that’s al dente because doing so will remove the light coating of starch that helps sauces and seasonings cling.
• Pasta continues to cook after draining, so ensure you are serving it immediately for the best taste and texture.

About Chef Massimo Capra:

Massimo Capra is a chef, restaurateur, author, and media personality. You can learn more about Chef Massimo Capra on his website.

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