al dente

[ al den-tey, -tee; Italian ahl den-te ]

adjective

1. (especially of pasta) cooked so as not to be too soft; firm to the bite:

   spaghetti al dente.

al dente

/ al ˈdɛnte /

adjective

1. (of a pasta dish) cooked so as to be firm when eaten

Word History and Origins

Origin of al dente¹

1945–50; Italian: literally, to the tooth

Word History and Origins

Origin of al dente¹

literally: to the tooth

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, low glycemic index carbs, such as parboiled rice and al dente pasta, that are more slowly absorbed and produce a smaller blood sugar spike are associated with decreased risk.

From Salon

Once it is just shy of al dente, drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.

From Seattle Times

Meanwhile, bring pasta water to a boil, and cook the orecchiette until it’s al dente.

From Seattle Times

As for the corn, I like to throw the kernels directly into the boiling water, letting them soften as the pasta becomes pleasingly al dente.

From Seattle Times

Cook, adding ¼ cup of the broth at a time, until the rice is al dente and loose but not soupy, another 8 to 10 minutes.

From Washington Times