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What is Al Dente?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Al dente is an Italian phrase which means “to the tooth.” It is used to refer to foods which are cooked completely, but not soft and overdone. Most commonly, it is used in the context of pasta, although one could also make rice or vegetables al dente. The goal is to achieve complexity of texture while also ensuring that the dish is completely cooked. Learning to cook to this stage takes practice, and the kitchen needs to be closely supervised while the food is cooking to ensure that it does not become overdone.

The term originates from the fact that the pasta needs to be chewed to be eaten, because it is firm with some resistance. Pasta which sticks to the teeth is usually considered to the underdone, and it may have a pale uncooked core, or a floury taste. This is undesired, except possibly with baked dishes, in which the pasta will be cooked in the oven after being boiled. Pasta should be well stirred while cooking and frequently tasted, because the line between al dente and overdone is very fine.

Al dente pasta is fully cooked but still firm.
Al dente pasta is fully cooked but still firm.

The texture of pasta al dente is preferred by many Italians as well as cooks outside of Italy. The more dense texture carries flavors well, and encourages consumers to linger over their food because they are forced to chew it. Mushy, overcooked pasta also tends to be blander in flavor, and it can detract from a complex hand made pasta sauce. The term is also sometimes translated as “to the bite,” because the pasta engages the consumer with its robust texture.

Dried pasta should generally be cooked al dente.
Dried pasta should generally be cooked al dente.

Vegetables can also be termed al dente, when they are cooked to the stage where they are warmed through, but still slightly crisp. Vegetables cooked in this way can be used in a variety of dishes, and the crisp texture has a pleasant feeling in the mouth. In addition, when cooked al dente and cooled with water to stop the heating process, vegetables retain their bright and distinctive colors, which can make a dish more attractive to look at. The term is also used to refer to chewy rice.

Pasta is added to boiling water when beginning to cook it al dente.
Pasta is added to boiling water when beginning to cook it al dente.

To cook pasta al dente, use a pot with plenty of water brought to the boil with salt. Add the pasta, and use the time guidelines on the box as a rough guide. Stir the pasta frequently to prevent it from sticking, and bring the water temperature down so that the pasta is not being aggressively boiled. As you reach the low end of the time window, start pulling out pasta to taste periodically, until it has reached the ideal stage. Al dente pasta will be chewy without any crispness, and it should be promptly drained and sauced.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon160162

Is there a specific term for soft pasta or the opposite of al dente?

anon39634

the opposite of "al dente" is "scotta" and it sucks a bit because it is like eating fresh glue. =S

dmedicinus

How do you keep the lasagna noodles tender during baking? The cheese seems to cause the top layer to be hard to simply cut through. My goal is to be able to eat the lasagna with a fork and virtually no effort needed, a.k.a. like a good roast beef, except for the pasta. I use a whole jar of sauce, but think maybe I need another half jar. Might this help. Thanks!

anon3208

is there a culinary phase that means the opposite of al dente - something that implies overcooked--esp in the world of pasta cooking?

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    • Al dente pasta is fully cooked but still firm.
      By: Francesco83
      Al dente pasta is fully cooked but still firm.
    • Dried pasta should generally be cooked al dente.
      By: Shawn Hempel
      Dried pasta should generally be cooked al dente.
    • Pasta is added to boiling water when beginning to cook it al dente.
      By: isrgil
      Pasta is added to boiling water when beginning to cook it al dente.