Don't Toss That Pasta Water - Use It For Better Beans - Tasting Table
Briefly

Reserving pasta water not only improves spaghetti dishes by creating a richer, creamier sauce but also offers a flavorful, starchy base for cooking beans. Using pasta water in bean recipes infuses the legumes with taste and changes the consistency of the dish, akin to how it enhances pasta sauces. Additionally, salting the water during bean preparation ensures a softer texture by allowing water to penetrate more effectively. This practice aligns with a zero-waste philosophy by repurposing ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, making cooking both delicious and sustainable.
Saving a dash of pasta water creates a rich texture in spaghetti but it can also enhance the flavor and creaminess of bean dishes.
Because the starch in pasta water thickens sauces, using it for beans provides a foundation for silkier, flavor-packed broths and enhances zero waste cooking.
Salted water cooks beans more evenly by allowing water to permeate their skins better, leading to a creamier texture and prevents splitting.
Cooking beans with kombu can enhance their flavor and tenderness due to kombu's natural saltiness and umami properties, improving overall dish quality.
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