Regardless of whether it’s spaghetti, penne, rigatoni or tagliatelle, everyone loves pasta! And no wonder: it’s been proven that pasta not only satisfies you, but it makes you happy too. In addition, you don’t need a degree in rocket science to cook it. Here are a few examples to spice up your pasta cuisine. The important thing is that you cook the pasta al dente, in salted water. Anyone cutting corners will end up with indefinable mush on the plate. But what can you do with the water left over after cooking? Just pouring it away really is a bit of a waste. So, here are a few clever ideas:

1. For watering the flowers

You plants will appreciate it: pasta water is perfect for watering due to its mineral content. Best poured when only lukewarm.

2. For sauce and pesto

As a special ingredient for the tomato sauce, add the pasta water right at the last minute. Your tasty pesto will also benefit from it. The warm liquid is a perfect combining agent.

3. For bread and pizza dough

All yeast doughs require some liquid with a pinch of salt. With your pasta water, you’re already one step ahead. Simply use however much of it you need for the dough recipe.

4. To soften legumes

Beans, peas, linseed — they’re all good for the immune system. But to make them taste better, you should allow them to soften before the preparation. Use the pasta water and let the legumes simply soak overnight. Perfect!

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5. For washing up

Whether you believe it or not, the extract from pasta starch acts as a natural detergent. Warm pasta water is therefore, perfect for washing up. Even the really dirty pots and pans can be cleaned with it!

6. For a foot spa

For those that suffer from sore or swollen feet after a hard day at work, you should definitely try out a foot spa using your warm pasta water. Both the warm water and the minerals it contains, will leave your feet feeling soft and refreshed in no time. Give it a try!

7. For the hair

Damaged hair will always welcome special treatment. Using the pasta water will make it beautifully smooth. Simply massage it into the hair, leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse it out. Now use your normal shampoo and you’ll be astounded by the results.

8. For steaming vegetables

Steaming is a great method for preparing vegetables, even the best restaurants rely on it. Simply take the pasta water as a base, place a steamer basket in the pot and begin. Cooking doesn’t get much healthier.

9. As a soup base

Whether for a hearty broth or a soup, the pasta water is a great place to start. After steaming the vegetables, for example, simply add them to the stock (pasta water), let it cook, season it to taste and you’re finished!

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10. For craftwork

Even the little ones get something from the leftover pasta water: because it’s so quick and easy to make play dough that they can create something. Simply pop in it the oven afterwards and it’s done. You can find a recipe here (just replace the suggested water with your pasta water).