Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s been enjoyed in countless forms around the world for centuries. However, did you know that there’s also plenty you can do with the water used to cook it? With salt, starch, and other nutrients released from the pasta, pasta water has a unique flavor and texture that can make a significant difference in your cooking. Read on to learn a bit more about how using pasta water can take your cooking to the next level.
Soups
One of the best ways to reuse pasta water is as a base for soups. It can be used in place of regular water to steam any vegetables you may want to add, or as a substitute for store-bought broth. The starch in the water can help thicken the soup and give it a silky texture.
Sauces
The high starch content of pasta water makes it ideal for thickening sauces that would usually require cornstarch or flour. Just add about ¼ to ½ cup of pasta water to your sauce and stir until it reaches your desired thickness.
Water Plants
Pasta water contains nutrients that can be used to fertilize plants and promote their growth. Make sure to let the water cool down completely, then use it as a 1:1 substitute for regular water. Avoid using salted pasta water, as salt is toxic to many household plants.
