Breaking spaghetti before putting them in the pot?
@RRossi (275)
December 16, 2023 6:44am CST
The common practice in preparing spaghetti is not to break them before putting them in the pot. Traditionally, spaghetti is long and cooked whole. This allows them to cook evenly and maintain their long, thin shape. Moreover, breaking spaghetti could compromise the presentation of the finished dish.
When cooking spaghetti, it is advisable to fully immerse them in boiling water and occasionally stir to ensure they do not stick together. At the end of the cooking process, the spaghetti should be al dente, ready to be drained and seasoned as desired.
However, the preparation of spaghetti may vary based on personal preferences. If, for some reason, you prefer to break the spaghetti before cooking, you can do so, but consider that this practice is not common in Italian culinary traditions.
9 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (458583)
• Switzerland
16 Dec
@RRossi My friends were uncomfortable the first time I served them real Italian spaghetti. I showed them how to roll and they learned quickly. They never broke their spaghetti again. It is a pain to eat spaghetti cut in half, you do not arrive to roll them around your fork.
1 person likes this
@RRossi (275)
•
16 Dec
@LadyDuck It's fascinating how cultural nuances can influence even the way we enjoy a simple meal like spaghetti. Your experience with introducing your friends to real Italian spaghetti highlights the importance of cultural practices in the dining experience. Teaching them the art of rolling spaghetti around the fork not only added authenticity to the meal but also enhanced their enjoyment.
Breaking spaghetti in half is indeed a departure from the traditional Italian approach, where the length of the pasta is preserved for a specific eating experience. The act of rolling spaghetti around the fork is not just a practical method; it's a part of savoring the meal and appreciating the texture and flavor in a certain way.
Your dedication to preserving these culinary traditions and sharing them with your friends showcases a deep appreciation for the authenticity of Italian cuisine. It's a reminder of how food can be a cultural bridge, connecting people and creating shared experiences.
1 person likes this
@RRossi (275)
•
16 Dec
Your commitment to not breaking spaghetti and cooking them "al dente" aligns with the traditional Italian approach to pasta preparation. It's fantastic that you've shared this culinary tradition with your foreign friends, introducing them to the authentic way of enjoying spaghetti. The appreciation for the texture and flavor of "al dente" pasta is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, and it's wonderful that you've passed on this knowledge to those around you. Food has a unique way of connecting people across cultures, and your dedication to preserving and sharing these culinary practices is commendable.
1 person likes this
@2ndchances24 (4934)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
16 Dec
I break it up where it's easier to get with a fork
& not have to roll & roll & roll just to eat it.
Another thing is I don't smother in sauce
where all you taste is the sauce like most
people do with their's, & being I can't eat
it anymore unless it's whole wheat I can't
have it cause it spikes my sugar levels.
2 people like this
@2ndchances24 (4934)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
16 Dec
@RRossi no it may not be, but I'm also
not Italian either, nor do I live in their era
of life, but when I could eat spaghetti, that's
the way I would cook it & use LESS.
1 person likes this
@2ndchances24 (4934)
• Cloverdale, Indiana
29 Dec
@RRossi that's a GOOD question
I wish I knew the answer to that.
@snowy22315 (170196)
• United States
16 Dec
I would say half the time I break,and half the time not.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95440)
• Marion, Ohio
16 Dec
I break it in half so it fits in my pan better
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95440)
• Marion, Ohio
16 Dec
@RRossi I actually meant pot and it still looks yummy
1 person likes this
@jnrdutton (2566)
• United States
19 Dec
When I used to cook spaghetti (I haven't personally in years) I used to break the noodles because that's what I was taught. I was just told it was to fit better in the pot.
1 person likes this
@RRossi (275)
•
28 Dec
The next time you cook aspasghetti, try leaving them whole, the flavor will improve.
