Gillian's Gluten-Free Pasta

Recently, while at my local health food store, I noticed new bags of gluten-free penne pasta. The bright bag was emblazoned with "Gillian's Foods" on the front. To be honest, I've heard of Gillian's but have never had the chance to try any of their products. I thought this was a good time to give them a whirl.

Since we eat pasta every Sunday night, it wasn't long before I had a chance to sample this new pasta.

The ingredients ( rice, rice bran & water)are the same as my favorite, Tinkyada. So, I was hopeful that this pasta would be good. And it was!

The pasta was excellent. However, like with Tinkyada, I have some issues with their cooking directions.

1. The bag states to "Add salt if desired.". Let me say this to you, pasta, especially gluten-free pasta, needs salt. Pasta is bland. Salt brings it flavor. In cooking circles there is an old cook's tale that states that pasta cooking water should be as salty as the ocean. Think about that! I put a generous amount of salt into my pasta water and I recommend you do the same.

2. The bag states that the pasta cooks in 7 to 10 minutes. I didn't find this to be true. My pasta took about 12-15 minutes. Taste it! It should be nice and soft. For the record, I don't think gluten-free pasta tastes great "al dente." I like it cooked (not overcooked but cooked.) all the way through. So, taste it before you drain it. The pasta shouldn't bite back.

3. The bag states that you should rinse the pasta. I don't like to do this. The cold water seems to shock gluten-free pasta. I just drain it in a colander and use it as I would regular pasta.

Gillian's Pasta is available in penne and spaghetti on-line and at health food stores.

Grade: A+

Summary: Great gluten-free pasta. Excellent taste and texture. Bag directions are slightly "off." Highly recommended.