Do you know how to boil water?
There is no shame if you don’t. But it is a crucial piece of knowledge to gain before you start to cook.
Why do I ask? Because I once left my kids with a pot of water on the stove and a box of pasta nearby. I said, “Add the pasta to boiling water and cook it til it’s done. I’ll be home soon.” When I got home, the pasta box was unopened. Why? Because my kids didn’t know what I meant by boiling water. I laugh now, but back then it was a sign that we were on different food planets. I cooked and they ate.
Luckily both of my kids grew up to be responsible adults who cook. But I dedicate this post to their teenage selves.
There is more than one way to boil water, really:
Poach: A gentle type of boil used for delicate foods that are easily damaged or overcooked like fruit or fish.
Simmer: A somewhat harder boil with a small bubbles rising to the surface. Food that needs a long time to cook can be simmered for hours, like stocks and soups.
Hard or Rolling Boil: Rolling bubbles and steam. This is as hot as water can get.
Your elevation matters. The higher you are above sea level the quicker your water will boil (at a lower temperature than at sea level. Pasta requires water at a rolling boil.
How to Boil Water – A Primer
- On the stove
- Use a larger pot to avoid over-boiling and spilling the contents of the pot.
- Add water to a pot with extra room at the top. Cover it and turn the heat on high. Covering will help the water boil faster.
- When it boils, turn the heat down to poach or simmer if the recipe calls for it. Follow the recipe directions as to cover, or not.
- In a microwave:
- Use a microwave safe cup or bowl.
- Place a bamboo pick or wooden chopstick in the bowl. Microwaved water can super heat (above boiling) without bubbles unless there is something for the bubbles to form on. Superheated water can explode and burn. Be careful!
- Check it often. A cup of water can boil in a minute or two.
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