How to Cook Whole-Wheat Pasta Properly

Whole-wheat pasta cooks by the same basic method as any pasta, a large pot of salted, rapidly boiling water, but a few adjustments below actually matter more here than they do for refined pasta.

What actually helps

Use a large pot of well salted water at a full rolling boil, the same starting point as any pasta, whole wheat or not.
Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the pack time, since whole-wheat pasta's al dente window is narrower than refined pasta's.
Stir occasionally in the first few minutes. Whole-wheat pasta's rougher surface can stick more readily than smooth refined pasta.
Reserve a little pasta water before draining. Whole-wheat pasta benefits from it to loosen a sauce, since it can drink up liquid quickly once drained.
Toss with sauce immediately after draining rather than letting it sit, since whole-wheat pasta firms up faster as it cools.

Picked this week

Whole-wheat pasta to practise on

Bagi Farm I · Bagi

Pasta Kathiya Wheat

$1.04 · 500 GM

Our standards

Cooking whole-wheat pasta questions

How much salt should the pasta water have?: Salt it generously, roughly as salty as sea water. This seasons the pasta itself, not just the water around it.
Should I add oil to the cooking water?: It is not necessary and can make sauce cling less well afterward. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking just as effectively.
Why does my whole-wheat pasta stick together after draining?: Usually it sat too long without sauce or oil tossed through it. Combine it with sauce immediately after draining.
Can I cook whole-wheat pasta ahead of time?: You can, but toss it with a little oil to prevent sticking and expect a firmer texture once reheated.

Comments

Loading comments…