> What's the term for cooking pasta to the point that it's firm, and not too soft?And the answer: al dente. In cooking, al dente describes pasta or rice that is cooked to be tender, butstill firm. The term translates from Italian and literally means, "to thetooth."Photo credit: twopeasandtheirpod.com[https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pasta-pomodoro/].Pasta is a dish enjoyedthroughout cultures around the world. Whether it's cooked al dente or soft,draped in tomato sauce or topped with meatballs, pasta is loved for itsversatility and the essential carbohydrates that it contributes to a meal.Beyond your standard angel hair or linguine, there are over 600 unique types ofpasta in the world, with 1,300 different names documented. While the term"pasta" usually refers to Italian noodles, there are varieties of the dish fromnearly every continent and culture on the globe. Pasta is made from unleavened dough consisting of ground durum wheat and wateror eggs. The use of durum wheat sets pasta apart from other forms of noodles –its high gluten content and low moisture make it perfectly suited to pastaproduction. To make it, the durum dough is pressed into sheets, cut into avariety of shapes, and cooked before serving.Discovery of the dish is commonly attributed to Marco Polo; however, researchhas revealed that pasta was prevalent in Asia long before his arrival. Pasta wasalso gaining popularity in Italy in the 13th century independently of Polo'stravels, so it's more likely that the dish began its circulation long before histime. And, regardless of its introduction, it was the warm Mediterranean climateof Italy that encouraged experimentation with fresh herbs and sauces, leading tothe creation of the traditional spaghetti we know and love today (now we'remaking ourselves hungry). Learn some incredible fun facts about pasta here[https://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/blog/20-fun-pasta-facts].