al dente
/æl ˈdɛnteɪ/
Meaning
Borrowed from Italian, 'al dente' literally translates to 'to the tooth.' In culinary contexts, it describes pasta, rice, or vegetables that are cooked so they are still firm when bitten, rather than soft or mushy. Achieving this texture is considered a mark of culinary skill and is the standard way to serve pasta.
Examples
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Make sure to test the spaghetti a minute before the timer goes off to ensure it is al dente.
Make sure to test the spaghetti a minute before the timer goes off to ensure it is al dente.
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Most Italian chefs agree that pasta must be served al dente to hold the sauce properly.
Most Italian chefs agree that pasta must be served al dente to hold the sauce properly.
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I prefer my green beans cooked al dente so they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
I prefer my green beans cooked al dente so they retain their vibrant color and crunch.
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If you overcook the risotto, it will lose its distinct al dente texture and become mushy.
If you overcook the risotto, it will lose its distinct al dente texture and become mushy.
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The recipe says to boil the penne for eight minutes for a perfect al dente finish.
The recipe says to boil the penne for eight minutes for a perfect al dente finish.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I like my pasta very al dente.
✓ I like my pasta al dente.
Because 'al dente' is already a specific state of perfect firmness, using intensifiers like 'very' or 'too much' sounds unnatural. If it's too firm, it is simply undercooked.
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✗ Cook the pasta until it is to the tooth.
✓ Cook the pasta until it is al dente.
While 'to the tooth' is the literal translation of the Italian phrase, English speakers always use the loanword 'al dente' in culinary contexts.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you leave the noodles in the boiling water too long, they won't be ___.
💡 Firm to the bite.
Show answer
al dente
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The chef was disappointed because the fettuccine was mushy instead of ___.
💡 The ideal texture for pasta.
Show answer
al dente