While boiling potatoes may seem simple, doing it properly can greatly impact your meals. Whether you want to make mashed potatoes, potato salad, or just a side dish doesn’t matter. How you boil them is crucial. If you cook them for too long, they will turn to mush. If you boil the potatoes too quickly, you’ll end up with a hard and undercooked center. Learning how to boil potatoes can help you avoid cooking disasters and improve your results.
We’ll show you a simple and foolproof method for cooking potatoes. There are no complicated techniques involved—just basic basics.
Start With A Right Potato
Not all potatoes are created equal. The texture of your cooked potatoes depends on the variety you choose.
- Waxy new potatoes hold their form well and are suitable for salads and soups.
- Starchy potatoes like Russets are perfect for making mashed potatoes as they can be easily broken down.
- Yukon Gold, similar to all-purpose potatoes, falls in the middle. It can be adapted for many dishes.
Knowing what you want to achieve will help you choose the best type of potato.
Peel Or Not To Peel?
Depending on the dish and your personal preferences, you can choose to peel or not. Peeling is recommended if you plan to make mashed potatoes or a smooth, pureed potato. Leave the skins in dishes like potato soup, where you want the potatoes to retain shape. It also gives them extra nutrients.
Peel the skins before boiling. If you keep the peel, thoroughly scrub it to remove dirt.
Cutting Techniques For The Best Results
For even cooking, cut your potatoes into uniform pieces. When boiling baby potatoes whole, there’s no need for cutting. However, you can chop larger potatoes into roughly equal chunks.
Do not cut them too short. Doing so increases the risk of waterlogging and causes them to fall apart.
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Cold Water Is Not Hot
When you are learning, putting potatoes in boiling water is a common mistake. Instead, place potatoes in a pan and fill it with cold water. This will allow them to heat slowly and cook more evenly.
If you start with hot water, the outer part of the cake will cook too quickly, and it could end up with a hard, uncooked middle.
Add Salt Early
Don’t wait to season potatoes until after boiling. Add sea salt to the water during heating. Add salt to the water while it is heating up. This will enhance the flavor and also help the potatoes retain their structure.
Bring To a Boil, Then Simmer
When your potatoes are in the salted cold water, bring the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the temperature to a simmer. Rolling boiling can cause potato pieces to knock against each other and break apart. Simmering allows for tender, evenly cooked potatoes with no risk of mushiness or broken bits.
Timing Is Everything
The cooking time depends on the size and kind of potatoes.
- Cubed potatoes: 10-15 minutes
- whole medium potatoes: 20-25 minutes
- small new potatoes: 20 minutes
Use a fork or knife to pierce an item and check whether it is cooked. It should slide right in without resistance. If the potato crumbles when poked, it could be overcooked, especially for dishes where you need to keep the pieces intact.
Drain Immediately
After the potatoes become tender, drain them as soon as possible. In hot water, potatoes can continue to boil and turn mushy.
If you plan to make mashed potatoes out of them, steam them for about a minute in the colander. This will allow excess moisture in the potatoes to evaporate. The result is a fluffier, more airy mash.
Mash It For Comfort Or Cool It For Salads
For potato salads, rinse the potatoes under cool running water to prevent them from cooking. Let the potatoes cool to room temperature before adding dressing. Transfer the hot, drained potatoes back to the pot. Then, mash them while they’re still hot.
Conclusion
Boiling potatoes requires no fancy equipment or even culinary training. You just need a few simple methods and a little attention. Choose the right type, use cold water, and consider timing.
Perfect boiling of potatoes is key if you want buttery, creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp salad with a refreshing taste. Once you know this method, your potato preparation will be flawless.
