Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
by Tony M in Rouxbe RecipesGarlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red chili flakes and quality pasta make up this delectable dish.
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If you really want to learn how to cook, then you need to practice the concepts taught in this lesson. We've compiled some "edible exercises" along with some supporting recipes that will help reinforce what was taught in this lesson.
To fully experience this lesson, ideally you should purchase a box of table salt, pure kosher salt and some kind of unrefined sea salt (preferably gray salt or fleur de sel). Fill three small bowls with the different salts and get a feel for what each salt feels like in your fingertips. Dab your finger into each salt and taste. Not only should you pay attention to the flavor of each salt, you should also be aware of how salty each salt is.
To experience the flavor of different salts, peel and cook 2 medium-sized potatoes in plain water (yes, no salt…just this once). Once tender, drain and mash them to make mashed potatoes. Separate the potatoes into three different bowls and season one with generic table salt, one with pure kosher salt, and one with a gourmet salt of your choice (gray salt or other sea salt). Taste the potatoes to see if you can detect any difference between the types of salt. Also, make note if you prefer one salt over another.
To understand how much salt affects the flavor of pasta, cook ¼ cup of dry pasta of your choice in plain water. Simultaneously, cook ¼ cup of dry pasta in seasoned water (use 1 teaspoon of table salt per liter/quart of water). Once both are al dente, drain and compare the flavor difference between the two.
The next time you eat melon, try sprinkling it with a tiny bit of gourmet salt. Notice how the salt slightly brings out and heightens the flavor of the fruit.
Use a small amount of your preferred salt (use the same salt again and again) to practice sprinkling it evenly onto the countertop. Try to avoid creating piles of salt, as this will unevenly season your food.
As you cook, experiment with the different types of salt you purchased. Get a feeling for each salt and its seasoning power.
Make a few of the recipes below, paying attention to the stages in which to season with salt.
Garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, red chili flakes and quality pasta make up this delectable dish.
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In partnership with:
Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver
