Why should pasta and rice not be rinsed of after cooking?

You are correct! Pasta and rice should generally not be rinsed after cooking. Here's why:

* Starch is Flavor: The starchy water that pasta and rice cook in is full of flavor. Rinsing it away removes that flavor, resulting in a blander dish.

* Sauce Adherence: The starch also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta or rice, making for a more satisfying and flavorful experience.

* Texture: Rinsing can make pasta and rice feel dry and grainy, especially if it's cooked al dente.

Exceptions:

* Salads: Sometimes, you might want to rinse pasta for salads to prevent it from clumping together and to create a lighter, less starchy salad.

* Specific Recipes: Some recipes may call for rinsing, but it's usually for a specific reason, such as if you're using the rice in a dish that requires it to be dry.

In general, it's best to avoid rinsing pasta and rice unless a recipe specifically instructs you to do so.