Olive Oil In Pasta Water
ADVICE FOR THE FOODLORN
by Tom Steele
Is it true that adding olive oil to the cooking water can keep the pasta from sticking?
–Ashley Dunmore, Englewood, NJ
No, not really, but it can and usually will keep sauce from sticking to your pasta. Assuming we’re talking about dried pasta, not fresh, if it’s sticking together when it cooks, you need to add more water. Use 5 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of salt per pound of pasta, stir several times, drain when it is al dente (usually the lower number of minutes suggested by the manufacturer), stir it into the heated sauce, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve.
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