5 Rules of Cooking Delicious Gluten Free Pasta

Buckwheat is a useful alternative to wheat in pasta and noodles. It is still tasty and nutritious, but it is also gluten-free and suitable for those who have allergies or are on other specialist diets as long as you cook it properly. Here are five basic rules that should ensure you have the best experience with buckwheat gluten free pasta.

What is buckwheat gluten free pasta?

Closely related to rhubarb and sorrel, buckwheat has no relation to the wheat that is normally used in pasta and noodles. This means that unlike wheat, it is gluten-free. People with intolerances, allergies and other sensitivities, as well as those who are voluntarily cutting back on gluten, can benefit from substituting buckwheat products where they would traditionally consume wheat products.

You can find buckwheat in noodles in Japan, China and other parts of Asia. It is also popular in parts of Northern Italy, where it is used to make a type of pasta called Pizzoccheri. There are specific dishes designed just for this kind of pasta, but you can also use it as an alternative in any of your favorite pasta meals.

1. Use an appropriately sized pan

If your pan is too small for the amount of pasta you are cooking, it could end up stuck together and hard to separate. You want your pasta in strands, not a single congealed lump. A larger pan is better, but if it is too large, you are going to use a lot of water and will have to wait longer for it to boil.

2. Have the water at the right temperature

When you are first heating the water to cook your pasta, you will probably have the heat up high so it comes to a boil as quickly as possible. If you add the pasta while it is that hot, however, it could cook much too quickly and end up with an unpleasant texture. Keep your stove on a medium heat so the pasta still cooks but is not overdone, and the pan does not boil over.

3. 
   
   Separate with a fork
   
   Should your pasta get stuck together, you can gently separate the strands using a fork. Do not do it too hard as you may end up breaking it. You can stir your pasta occasionally as it cooks to ensure that it remains loose and all parts are equally cooked, but do not over-stir.
   
   4. Drain and rinse
   
   When your pasta is cooked, it can be tipped into a colander to help drain away the cooking liquid. Rinsing it under some cold water will help to stop it from cooking further and prevent it from sticking together.
   
   5. Reheating
   
   Do not worry if your pasta gets cold while you prepare your other ingredients. It can later be added to the saucepan, frying pan or wok with your sauce, spices, protein or any other part of the dish. This will serve to gently reheat it while ensuring that all parts of the meal are fully combined before serving.
   
   By following this advice when cooking your buckwheat gluten free pasta, you can ensure your meals are tasty and pleasant to eat.