MenuLearn to boil pasta to al dente perfection while exploring timings and techniques like shocking to preserve color in vegetables.
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Place on the stove over high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
Once the water is boiling, add the dry pasta. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
Per serving
Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, checking for al dente texture (firm to the bite).
While the pasta cooks, prepare a bowl of ice water by filling a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water.
In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, add the fresh vegetables to the pot to blanch them.
Once the pasta and vegetables are done, turn off the heat and drain them in a colander.
Immediately transfer the drained pasta and vegetables into the bowl of ice water to shock them. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes.
After shocking, drain the pasta and vegetables again and serve immediately with your favorite sauce or olive oil.