How to cook garlic for pasta

by Cookthink

I love the smooth mildness of cooked garlic. This is a quick way to get that while boiling your pasta. When the salted water comes to a boil and the pasta is tossed in, also toss in any number of unpeeled garlic cloves. If the pasta being used cooks more quickly (like fresh pasta), add the cloves to the boiling water about 2 minutes before adding the pasta. If the pasta -- such as ziti -- takes longer to cook, wait until about 7 minutes of cooking time are left and then add the garlic. When the pasta is al dente -- after 6 to 9 minutes -- drain it. To peel the cooked garlic, hold the papery tip of the garlic peel in one hand and use a wooden spoon to press downward, towards the root end of the clove. The clove should just pop it out. Reference: What does al dente mean? (Cookthink) Reference: What's the point of putting oil in my pasta water? (Cookthink)