PASTA MASTERS

HOW TO COOK PASTA TO PERFECTION

1 Pasta should be cooked al dente – slightly resistant to the bite. In the Test Kitchen, we recommend cooking your pasta for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Remember, it will continue to cook out of the pot.

2 Pasta should be added to rapidly boiling water so the heat can reach the centre of the pasta as quickly as possible, which allows the pasta to cook evenly. Don’t add oil to the water.

3 Salt plays an important role and should be added to the water before the pasta, to allow it to penetrate the pasta during cooking. This way, it will absorb the right amount of salt and cook evenly. Add a heaped tablespoon of coarse cooking salt to a large saucepan of water.

BEST-EVER LASAGNE

PREP + COOK TIME 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES SERVES 6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large (200g) onion, chopped finely
1 large (180g) carrot, chopped finely
1 trimmed stick (100g) celery, chopped finely
2 rashers