First up, the most obvious clue: bubbles. But not just any bubbles—we’re talking about big, dramatic, rolling bubbles that look like a tiny volcano. Those sad little bubbles that cling to the bottom of the pot? That’s just water being shy, not boiled.
When you see bubbles forcefully erupting from the very bottom and breaking the surface like a dolphin show, you’ve hit the jackpot. This is what chefs call a “rolling boil,” and it’s your water’s way of saying, “I’m ready for pasta!”
Pro tip: If the bubbles look like they’re doing a sleepy yoga stretch, put the kettle on and wait. Patience, young grasshopper.