Reserve pasta water
Scooping out a mug of the starchy cooking water before draining pasta. It's the secret to silky pasta sauces. The starch helps fat and water emulsify into a glossy coat.
Used for
- all pasta sauces
- cacio e pepe
- carbonara
- make pesto
In the kitchen
- Ladle out a cup before draining.
- Stir in a splash at a time while finishing the sauce.
- Save the rest in a jar in case the sauce tightens.
Related terms
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