Philadelphia, PA
- Anyone can claim they’re a master at cooking spaghetti, thinking it’s just a matter of cooking pasta at the right temperature and using fresh tomatoes. However, if you’re aiming for a dish close to what the Italians call actual spaghetti, there’s a lot more you need to take in to capture everything, from the eclectic mix of flavors to the texture of the pasta. You don’t have to be Italian to use an original recipe for spaghetti, but the preparation process is an art form, something you may or may not accomplish by yourself.
That’s not to say preparing a dish of spaghetti in its original form is impossible. Anyone can hack it if they commit to the same ingredients and techniques used in the dish’s country of origin. It’s just a matter of learning more about the regional variations of the dish and replicating the process without watering down the original taste. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic evening or a family reunion, make your spaghetti preparation extra special by using these tips:
1. Select quality ingredients
The cornerstone of Italian spaghetti is choosing the best ingredients that can help achieve a taste that’s close to the original. Given what’s available in your area, you will have to make the most of substitutes for ingredients that can’t be found locally. Most of these ingredients such as cheese (for carbonara) and red wine are easy to locate but it may take a while to look for pasta that’s made from durum-wheat semolina.
You may find this type of spaghetti in specialty stores or you can have it imported straight from Italy. If that’s not possible, regular whole wheat may do. You should also look for the best olive oil for cooking Napolitan-style spaghetti aglio e olio. In any case, use only quality ingredients from brands trusted by gourmet chefs.
2. Master sauce making
More than the ingredients, you use the technique for cooking sauce that brings out the unique flavor of original spaghetti dishes, especially those that use copious amounts of tomatoes, such as amatriciana. You can find ready-to-cook spaghetti sauce and tomato paste at your local grocery, but capturing the dish’s true essence requires crafting the sauce from scratch using fresh ingredients. Whatever type of dish you plan on cooking, make sure to learn as much as you can about preparing the sauce for each type.
When it comes to preparing marinara, consider pureeing fresh tomatoes and mixing them with oregano, thyme, and extra virgin olive oil. For carbonara sauce, make sure the egg whites are mixed thoroughly with the yolk while whisking. The secret to a more consistent texture that’s characteristic of the original Italian recipe lies in eliminating visible streaks of egg white.
3. Incorporate authentic flavors
Another crucial skill to master in making original Italian spaghetti dishes is using the same techniques as the locals. Apart from adding a couple of teaspoons of salt to boiling water before submerging the pasta to achieve the ideal texture, you should also use certain herbs, spices, and other ingredients that align with the type of variation you’re preparing.
Always pair a spaghetti dish with a glass of Italian wine. The right type of wine amplifies the mix of flavors carried by the sauce and seasoning. For instance, bolognese is best enjoyed with occasional sips of chianti and white wines that balance out the earthy taste of the sauce.
If you want to try something different for your next Pasta Night, go the traditional way by following these essentials to cooking spaghetti that transports your palate to Italy.