How to Measure Dry Spaghetti
Measuring dry spaghetti may seem a little tricky if you haven't done it very often. Spaghetti expands while cooking, so it's important to know how much pasta to take out of the package to make the appropriate number of portions for your meal. Choose too little dry spaghetti and your portions will come up short; too much and you may end up with an overfilled pot and leftovers. If you are sticking to a strict diet, it is especially important to know how much dry spaghetti equals one serving. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Read the dry pasta measurement instructions on the package of spaghetti. Compare this to any dietary concerns you may have, such as restrictions for diabetics. The American Heart Association (AHA) considers 1/2 cup of cooked spaghetti to be one serving. One ounce of dry spaghetti produces 1/2 cup of cooked spaghetti.
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2
Determine how many portions of spaghetti want to cook. Multiply this number by the portion size you have chosen in Step 1. For instance, if you're going to make the AHA-recommended portion size and would like to make six servings, you would need 6 ounces of dry spaghetti. (Six portions multiplied by 1 ounce each equals 6 ounces.)
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3
Place a handful of dry spaghetti onto the kitchen scale. Add or remove spaghetti until you reach the appropriate number of ounces for your meal. Alternatively, you can use a spaghetti measure. A 1-inch diameter bundle of dry spaghetti (approximately 4 ounces) will turn into 2 cups when cooked.
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4
Cook the spaghetti as directed on the package.
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Tips & Warnings
The American Heart Association recommends six to eight servings of breads, starchy vegetables, pastas and grains per day based on an adult diet of 2,000 calories. One serving of cooked spaghetti or other pasta is 1/2 cup.
References
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