National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Culinary Practice Exam

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What does al dente mean?

Resistance to the bite
With cheese
Served individual
With cream

The correct answer is: Resistance to the bite

Al dente is a term that originates from Italian, meaning "to the tooth." It refers specifically to the ideal texture of pasta when it is cooked. When pasta is cooked al dente, it should have a firm texture, providing a slight resistance when bitten into. This method of cooking is preferred because it helps to maintain the pasta's shape and prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy. The al dente texture provides a satisfying mouthfeel and enhances the overall dining experience. The other options refer to different culinary concepts: being "with cheese" typically refers to dishes that feature cheese as a primary ingredient or topping, "served individually" describes presentation rather than preparation, and "with cream" indicates a dish that incorporates cream as a component, neither of which pertain to the cooking texture implied by al dente.