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I’m sure we have all come across recipes that call for boiled potatoes. And while it might seem like an easy task, it is important to know the ins and outs of how to boil potatoes so you can enjoy them in your favorite recipes.
So if you struggle with mushy potatoes, and you’re looking for a failproof way to boil them, then you will need this. Keep reading to learn all the tips and tricks to achieve perfectly boiled potatoes!
The Key To Delightful Recipes
The Real King of Vegetables
No matter what meal you are having, there’s a good chance that potatoes will be present. Boiled potatoes are a guaranteed way to make everyone happy as they can be incorporated into so many different recipes.
One of my favorite things about them is how versatile they are. Boiled potatoes can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and as a side dish or even a snack!
How to Choose the Best Potatoes
Knowing how to choose the best potato is vital to the success of the boiling process. So when picking potatoes there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
You need to go for potatoes with smooth skin and avoid those that have started to sprout, and the ones that are turning green. Firm potatoes that are not too soft when pressed are your best bet.
There are two types of potatoes; waxy and starchy. When it comes to boiling it is recommended to go for thin-skinned, low-starch, waxy potatoes because they hold their shape well and they have a creamy texture.
How To Prep Potatoes Before Boiling
There are many ways for you to achieve perfectly boiled potatoes, but however you choose to make them, you need to make sure to prep them correctly. How do you do that?
Well, first you need to start by cleaning them. To ensure that your potatoes are perfectly clean, I recommend that you scrub using a vegetable scrubber. This will be your ideal choice if you want to boil them unpeeled as it ensures that your potatoes are deeply cleaned.
You can leave them as a whole or cut them into evenly-sized cubes so they cook at the same rate.
Boiled To Perfection
Should You Peel Your Potatoes Before Boiling?
After cleaning your potatoes, you can choose to peel your potatoes or keep the skin on, both are fine. It all comes down to your personal preference.
However, it is recommended to boil potatoes with the skin on for many reasons. This is mainly due to the fact that the skin holds nutrients inside. Not only that but it also plays an important role in enhancing the flavor and texture of the finished product.
Best Ways To Boil Potatoes
Now that you have prepped your potatoes, it is time for boiling. There are many ways for you to go about this, you can either do it on the stove, in the microwave, or in an instant pot.
On the Stove
Boiling potatoes on the stove is probably the most traditional method. So what you have to do after prepping is transfer potatoes to a pot with cold, salted water; ½ teaspoon of salt should be enough.
Then, bring the water to a rolling boil and reduce the heat to medium low. Now cover the pot with a lid and let them simmer until fork-tender.
In the Microwave
This is the quickest way to boil potatoes. And for this method, again you need to prep them first, then, add your potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl, submerge with salted water then cover them with plastic wrap.
Make sure to poke some holes to allow the steam to escape and prevent the plastic from melting. Your potatoes should be ready in around 5 minutes.
In Instant Pot
After cleaning your potatoes well, you need to place them on the trivet, and then add a cup of water. Now close the lid and switch to the sealing position.
To cook the potatoes, use the steam function. It will take around 5-10 minutes depending on how big or small your potatoes are.
A Simple Yet Impressive Ingredient
Pro Tips
Overcooking potatoes does not make them more tender. It actually makes them mushy and waterlogged.
Make sure to add salt to the water before adding the potatoes to the pot.
You should cut your potatoes into even sizes for them to cook at the same rate.
To cool down potatoes quickly to use in a recipe that calls for cooled potatoes, you can submerge them in ice.
Make sure to check doneness with a fork or a knife.
Enjoy These Recipes with Potatoes
By following the above instructions, you will be setting yourself up for success in making some of the most delectable recipes!
Boiled Eggs and Potatoes (Batata w Beid) is a quick and effortless dinner idea, with just two ingredients, you will have a filling and flavorful dish to serve. And to make your life easier, check out this Easy Peel No Fail Hard Boiled Eggs hack!
For an easy and indulgent weeknight dinner, this recipe for Crispy Parmesan Rosemary Garlic Baked Potatoes will definitely get you hooked. The good news is that this dish could be turned into vegan goodness!
Another easy dinner idea is this Baked Cumin Chicken and Potatoes. Serve it alongside a bowl of salad and enjoy a well-balanced meal.
Skillet-Sautéed Potatoes and Onions is a quick and easy lunch idea, packed with flavor and very versatile. You will definitely fall in love!
Frequently Asked Questions
This, of course, depends on the size of your potatoes. Large potatoes need 20 to 25 minutes, whereas smaller, or cubed, potatoes will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Yes, you can. All you have to do is place them in a freezer-safe container, and they should last around 3 months in the freezer.
Boiled potatoes keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Check These Out For More Cooking Tips
- How To Reheat Pasta Without Drying It Out?
- Top Tips to Improve Your Cooking Experience
- How To Store Celery?
- Best Way To Store Salad Greens
- The Best Way to Store Lettuce
- How to Store Lemon and Lime for 3 Months
- Best Way to Cook Beets (Instant Pot)
- How to Clean & Store Veggies to Stay Fresh
- How To Peel Garlic In The Microwave!
- Essential Cooking Tools for Beginners
Best Way To Boil Potatoes
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- 4 cups water, (or enough to cover the potatoes)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by prepping the potatoes.
- Transfer potatoes to a pot with cold, salted water; ½ teaspoon of salt should be enough.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil and reduce the heat to medium low.
- Now cover the pot with a lid and let them simmer until fork-tender.
Notes
- Overcooking potatoes does not make them more tender. It actually makes them mushy and waterlogged.
- Make sure to add salt to the water before adding the potatoes to the pot.
- You should cut your potatoes into even sizes for them to cook at the same rate.
- To cool down potatoes quickly to use in a recipe that calls for cooled potatoes, you can submerge them in ice.
- Make sure to check doneness with a fork or a knife.
