What does ‘al dente’ mean when cooking pasta?

The term ‘al dente’ refers to a specific texture of pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite. When pasta is prepared al dente, it retains a slight resistance when chewed, offering a pleasant texture and ensuring it holds its shape when combined with sauces or other ingredients. This cooking technique is favored in Italian cuisine because it highlights the pasta's natural flavors and provides a desirable mouthfeel.

Additionally, cooking pasta al dente is beneficial because it has a lower glycemic index compared to overcooked pasta, making it a healthier option. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, while pasta that is completely cooked through lacks the desirable firmness that al dente offers. Cooking pasta with sauce refers to a method of combining it with sauce after cooking, but it does not address the pasta's proper cooking doneness. Hence, being firm to the bite captures the essence of what ‘al dente’ signifies in the culinary world.