There are few dishes more delicious than a good pasta recipe. Preparing macaroni, spaghetti or ravioli is a quick and simple process that can save us from more than one trouble in everyday life. Everyone is able to cook, drain and season their favorite pasta to taste. But what perhaps not all of us know is that cooking water has some properties that are a shame to waste. How many of us have unceremoniously thrown it down the sink?
Think about it, cooking water is essential for many other recipes such as rice, stews, broths or sauces. That is why making this a useful kitchen resource is an economical and ecological option. In addition to the salt, garlic, bay leaf or other added ingredients, the cooking water maintains some of the properties of the pasta that enrich it, such as, for example, the starch that is responsible for giving them textures. In the case of whole wheat pasta, part of its nutrients pass into the water during the cooking process, including vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron or magnesium.
Below, we give you 8 ideas to reuse the water with which you cook pasta. You’ll never waste it again!
The starch released when cooking pasta acts as a natural thickener for sauces. Italian cuisine has traditionally used this water to season the sauce itself. Reusing a small measure will prevent you from resorting to other ingredients such as flour or cream and adding extra calories.
You may have a lot of water left over after draining the pasta. You can use it to soften sauces that are too thick, without losing texture thanks to the starch.
Adding hot, salted water to any slightly sticky stew or stir-fry will help deglaze the bottom of the pot or pan.
Drain the excess water into a container and, when it is cold, soak the chickpeas or lentils that you are going to prepare the next day. We have already given you an idea for the menu of the week… and to save on salt!
This water with salt and starch is a versatile ingredient for any type of broth: chicken, fish, vegetables…
Another way to reuse this water is to pour it while it is hot into a container that needs to soften the dirt before scrubbing it or putting it in the dishwasher. It could even be the pan you just used to make the pasta stir-fry!
Water, salt and starch are necessary ingredients in many baking recipes. Don’t hesitate to reuse them to prepare your homemade cookie dough.
Since you are in cooking mode, take advantage of this same water to prepare a vegetable garnish that can go great with the pasta itself. Bon appetit!
