al dente

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ostap77

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What foods could I have al dente apart from pasta?
 
Vegetables.
 
I don't think 'al dente' collocates happily with any foodstuff other than pasta. Possibly an Italian recipe for cooking vegetables for a very short time might use the expression, or people might use it knowing that people will understand it in the pasta context; for example, I might say 'I like my Brussels sprouts al dente'.

b

PS Rover's got a shorter answer, which is probably right. ;-)
 
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Risotto
 
I would only use it with pasta. Then again, I don't eat vegetables.
 
rice
 
I would use it with pasta and rice generally. I would describe vegetables as "still slightly crunchy" or something similar. There is nothing worse than soft/overcooked Brussels sprouts!
 
I didn't know there was anything worse than Brussel sprouts, period.
 
Barb_D said:
I didn't know there was anything worse than Brussel sprouts, period.
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Ah, well, I'm one of those weirdos who loves them! Steamed for about 4 minutes, no longer. Drizzled with a little butter or olive oil and fresh black pepper. Yum.
 
Brussels Sprouts are a noble vegetable.
 
emsr2d2 said:
Ah, well, I'm one of those weirdos who loves them! Steamed for about 4 minutes, no longer. Drizzled with a little butter or olive oil and fresh black pepper. Yum.
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You are not alone, ems. I have been known to harvest myself a generous portion of bruckles, bar all methods of access to my flat and boil (I'm a quick boiler rather than a steamer) them secretly. Then, at the right moment, liberally apply the pepper and butter and mmmmmmm! Fresh young broad beans are a close second, but clearly second.
 
How lovely for you all.
(Miss Manners says to say this instead of "You are out of your ever-loving minds.")

However, I'll still make you risotto, and you can have it al dente or mushy, as you choose, if you come to visit. Just don't expect those round green balls to be on the plate.
 
Barb_D said:
How lovely for you all.
(Miss Manners says to say this instead of "You are out of your ever-loving minds.")

However, I'll still make you risotto, and you can have it al dente or mushy, as you choose, if you come to visit. Just don't expect those round green balls to be on the plate.
Click to expand...

Thanks, al dente please.
 
Barb_D said:
How lovely for you all.
(Miss Manners says to say this instead of "You are out of your ever-loving minds.")

However, I'll still make you risotto, and you can have it al dente or mushy, as you choose, if you come to visit. Just don't expect those round green balls to be on the plate.
Click to expand...

I can honestly say I have never put Brussels sprouts in risotto! And I'll take my risotto and my pasta al dente please (but creamy risotto, not wet).

This thread is making me very hungry.
 
Barb_D said:
Just don't expect those round green balls to be on the plate.
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I am well known in my part of town for my r.g.b. ;-)
 
:shock:
 
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