What means tender in cooking pasta?

"Tender" in cooking pasta means that the pasta is cooked to the point where it is soft and yielding, but not mushy or overcooked. Here's a breakdown:

* Al dente: This is the ideal texture for pasta. It means the pasta is firm to the bite, with a slight resistance. It's still cooked through, but has a bit of "bite" left to it.

* Tender: While often used interchangeably with "al dente", "tender" can sometimes mean the pasta is a bit softer than al dente. It's still enjoyable, but may not have the same "bite".

* Overcooked: If pasta is overcooked, it will be mushy and lose its shape. It won't hold its sauce well and will have an unpleasant texture.

Here are some tips for cooking pasta to tender, but not overcooked:

* Use plenty of water: This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly.

* Salt the water: Salt enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps it cook evenly.

* Don't overcrowd the pot: Give the pasta room to move around and cook evenly.

* Don't overcook: Follow the package directions for cooking time, but start checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.

* Test for doneness: Scoop out a piece of pasta and taste it to see if it's tender.

* Drain immediately: Drain the pasta once it's cooked to prevent it from overcooking.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if pasta is tender is to taste it. You'll know it's ready when it's firm to the bite, but still soft and yielding.