al dente
al dente (firm to the bite)
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/al ˈdɛnte/
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Cultural Note
Literally meaning 'to the tooth,' al dente describes pasta that is cooked but still firm when bitten. It is the only acceptable texture for pasta in Italy. Overcooked (scotta) pasta is considered a culinary tragedy. The trick is to drain pasta about one minute before the package time and finish cooking it in the sauce.
📝 Example Sentences
La pasta deve essere cotta al dente.
Pasta must be cooked al dente.
Controlla se gli spaghetti sono al dente.
Check if the spaghetti is al dente.
In Italia la pasta scotta e imperdonabile.
In Italy overcooked pasta is unforgivable.