We all pick up little kitchen habits from family or friends, but not all of them are backed by professional wisdom. Celebrity chef Carla Hall recently reminded us that some of the most common cooking “tricks” are actually big mistakes. Here are the top 3 chef don’ts—and the reasons behind them.
❌ 1. Don’t Add Oil to Pasta Water
You’ve probably seen people drizzle oil into their pasta pot, thinking it prevents sticking. The truth? Oil makes pasta too slick, which means your sauce will slide right off instead of clinging to every delicious bite. Chefs recommend just stirring the pasta occasionally and using plenty of salted water. That way, your sauce hugs the noodles perfectly.