Glossary of food terms: A

Al dente

The only way to serve pasta! This is an Italian phrase meaning 'to the tooth'. It's used to describe the texture of pasta (and risotto rice) as tender or soft on the outside but with some resistance when bitten into. If you normally serve your pasta soft, try it this way and taste the difference. Every shape and brand of pasta cooks differently; only the taste test, not packet instructions, will tell when it's cooked perfectly.