Do you know the best way to cook pasta? The secret to making the perfect pasta is using the tools and techniques to help you achieve the goal.
And that would be to use the big pasta pot with the insert. If you are tired of using the same old technique of boiling the pasta in a pot and straining it separately, you should learn how to use a pasta pot with a strainer.
It’s specially designed so that pasta, spaghetti, noodles, or macaroni can be cooked while contained in the strainer pot so that you can strain the water standing right where you are. Like usual, you do not have to take the hassle of running to the sink to dump in the colander.
As a result, there is less mess, less cleaning, less cooking time, and more time to eat delicious pasta afterward! Also, you can stock water to use in cooking or boiling pasta again.
Can I Cook Pasta in a Strainer?
Simply put, to make the perfect pasta, retain the flavor and safely drain the boiled water. The pot contains three parts.
- The insert or strainer
- Stockpot
- Lid
What Can You Cook with Pasta Pot?
It is possible to boil and cook anything you want with a pasta pot. Chefs name it multi-purpose because meat, fish, eggs, soup, broth, soup, and lentils are possible to cook.
This pot is the perfect solution for cooking Spaghetti, Linguine, Macaroni, rotini, and more! Even though using this tool is relatively easy, following the pro tips below will help you get the best results.
Let’s see how to use this handy cookware.
How to Use Pasta Pot With Strainer: 7 Steps
Let’s answer the long-awaited question— What steps should you follow to use a pasta pot with a strainer?
You can use a pasta pot with an insert for many cooking chores. However, most pasta pot with a filter is an excellent tool for boiling or simmering vegetables, meat, or fish.
So, how do you use a straining pot?
The steps for using a pasta pot are generally the same, regardless of the dish you are cooking. In this article, you will get the perfect guide on how to use a pasta pot with a strainer for cooking pasta.
Step 01: Put the Pot on a Burner
Place the pasta pot with an insert on the burner or electric stove to avoid splashing water on the kitchen floor. One thing to bear in mind is that the bottom of the pasta pan should be the same size as the stove or slightly smaller.
Step 02: Add Water
If you wonder how much water you put in a pasta pot every time you cook, let’s remove your confusion.
When it comes to water measurement, you have two options: follow the instructions on the package or fill the pot halfway.
The amount of water required depends on the food you prepare and the veggies or meat you are boiling. Ensure that the food item you are cooking is completely immersed in the water.
If you place the colander after adding the water, the water may overflow and spill. This is why we recommend adding the water after putting the colander.
Step 03: Turn on the Stove
Turn on the stove and set it to the maximum heat so that the water gets to the boiling temperature soon. And cover the pot with the lid.
You can add a pinch of salt if you want to, but olive oil is optional.
Step 04: Add Pasta/ Spaghetti
When the water comes to a boil, you should add the pasta. Open the packaging and hold the sticks together with both hands.
Next, twist them (not break them) in the opposite direction so that the sticks spread evenly.
Next, drop the pasta into the pot and wait for the water to boil again. Dropping the pasta will help the sticks soft as they cook and prevent sticking with each other.
Professional chefs recommend lowering the temperature of the stove while boiling. Of course, you do not want your pasta to be overdone.
Step 05: Check the Timing
When you are cooking pasta, following the boiling time is essential. And the best way to maintain the time is to check the time mentioned in the packaging. Pasta can differ in thickness. So, the timing varies in each dish.
However, you can also boil the pasta according to your preferences. For example, many people like it chewy while others prefer it fully cooked. In that case, you should check after 7 to 8 minutes and turn off the stove when you think the pasta is done.
Step 06: Garb the Gloves
Even though many pasta pot handles are made of heat-resistant material so that you can grab them with bare hands, it is better to be careful. Wear kitchen gloves before pulling out the colander since you deal with a heavy pot filled with boiled water and pasta.
Step 07: Strain the Water
After turning off the stove, grab the handle of the colander or strainer and pull it out of the bigger pot. You do not need to pull it out and run for the sink anymore, as the bigger stockpot is there to hold the boiled water.
Hold the insert over the pot, and the pasta water will drop into the stockpot directly. Turn on the stove of the pasta sauces and put the strained pasta on the pan. You have to sauté the pasta with sauce and add any more topping if you want.
For example, you can add cheese or herbs and cover the lid for a minute or two. And your pasta is done.
Pro Tips on Using a Pasta Pot
While cooking the pasta with sauce, take a cup of the boiled water and pour in the pasta. The water you just poured contains starch, making the pasta sauce thick and leaving an enriched flavor and texture.
Precautions
- Pull out the insert slowly so that you don’t hurt yourself.
- Do not pour the hot broth right after turning off the heat. It is better to wait for it to cool down and move it to a different container to store it for further use.
Why Use Pasta Pot with Strainer?
Here are the reasons why you should use a pasta pot with a strainer instead of the traditional stockpot and colander separately.
- Draining the pasta over the pot with a strainer helps keep the pasta warm while draining.
- Your pasta will not fall into the sink. So, no wastage.
- Since the boiled water remains in the pot hot and flavorful, you can cook several batches of pasta with the same water.
- You do not need to run around the kitchen to drain the water and hold it dangerously above the sink.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to use a pasta pot with a strainer, we hope you will enjoy cooking recipes requiring boiling. Pasta pans with inserts are an excellent addition to your kitchen. And they are readily available in online shops.
So, grab your pasta pot and share your experience of cooking pasta with us.