Figured out I was salting my pasta water way too late

I always dumped salt in after the water was already boiling, thought it was fine. Then I read a test from Cook's Illustrated that showed salting cold water before it heats helps it dissolve evenly and seasons the pasta better. Tried it last Tuesday and the difference was noticeable, the noodles actually tasted seasoned all the way through. Has anyone else had a small tweak like this that made a big change in their cooking?

3 comments

3 Comments

lily_cooper9h ago

Right, I've totally been there. A tiny timing change like that really does seem to make everything taste more intentional, doesn't it? Your mileage may vary but that Cook's Illustrated test convinced me to switch too.

colethomas6h ago

Makes you wonder what else we're doing wrong...

scott.olivia7h ago

Yeah exactly, I used to think I was being fancy by waiting until it boiled. Turns out I was just lazy and now I have to admit my pasta has more personality than me.