How to boil potatoes

New Potatoes

New potatoes are small and tender, with a thin skin that does not need to be peeled. They are great for boiling whole or cutting in half and serving as a side dish.

• Tips:
• Always choose fresh potatoes without sprouts or green spots on the skin.
• Always wash the potatoes well before cooking them, but avoid soaking them in cold water for too long.

Choosing the right potatoes is the first step to achieving a perfect result when boiling them. Remember to consider the different varieties of potatoes and their properties to choose the one that best suits your preparation.

Preparation and cleaning of potatoes

Before boiling the potatoes, it is important to prepare them correctly. Here are some steps to follow:

Choosing the right potatoes

To achieve the best result, choose red or yellow potatoes, as they have a solid texture and do not easily fall apart during cooking.

Cleaning the potatoes

Wash the potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt or debris. If necessary, use a brush to remove stubborn dirt.

Peeling the potatoes

In general, peeling potatoes is optional. However, if you want a more refined dish without skins, you can peel the potatoes with a peeler or sharp knife. Alternatively, you can leave the skins on to add some flavor and texture to the final dish.

Cutting the potatoes

After cleaning and peeling the potatoes (if necessary), cut them into uniform cubes or slices so that they cook evenly. It is recommended to cut them all the same size to prevent some parts from becoming too soft and others remaining hard.

Soaking the potatoes in water

In some cases, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help remove excess starch from the potatoes and prevent them from becoming too soft during cooking.

• Choose red or yellow potatoes
• Wash the potatoes well under running water
• Peel potatoes (optional)
• Cut potatoes into uniform cubes or slices
• Soak potatoes in cold water (optional)

Following these simple but important steps will ensure that the potatoes are ready to be boiled to perfection!

Cooking: times and methods

To boil potatoes, there are different cooking methods. Below are some options:

Cooking in cold water

This is the most common technique for boiling potatoes. Start by putting the potatoes in a pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let the potatoes cook for about 20-30 minutes.

Steam cooking

Steaming is another option for cooking potatoes. In this case, a pot with a perforated basket above boiling water is used. The potatoes are placed in the basket and covered with a lid. Steaming generally takes more time than boiling, but has the advantage of better preserving the nutrients in the potatoes.

Microwave cooking

If you have little time available, you can opt for microwave cooking of potatoes. To do this, wash the potatoes well and prick them all over with a fork. Then wrap them individually in damp kitchen paper and place them on the microwave plate. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of the microwave.

The cooking time also depends on the size of the potatoes. To check if the potatoes are cooked, you can pierce them with a fork or toothpick. If the fork easily enters the flesh, it means that the potatoes are ready.

Finally, it is important to remember to drain the freshly cooked potatoes and let them cool before peeling or cutting them.

• Tips: if you want to add some flavor to your boiled potatoes, you can add bay leaves, garlic or rosemary to the cooking water.

Tips for perfect potato boiling

Boiling potatoes seems like a simple operation, but there are some tricks that can make the difference between a perfectly cooked potato and one that falls apart or remains too hard.

Choosing the right potatoes

First of all, it is important to choose the right potatoes. Yellow-fleshed potatoes are the most suitable for boiling, as they maintain their shape and texture during cooking. Avoid new potatoes, which contain too much water and tend to fall apart.

To peel or not to peel?

The choice of whether to peel the potatoes or not depends on personal taste and intended use. If you want a more rustic dish with a thicker consistency, it is better to leave the skin on. Otherwise, it is best to peel the potatoes before cooking.

How to cut potatoes

The potatoes must be cut evenly in order to cook at the same rate. It is better to avoid cutting them too small or too large: in the first case, they could disintegrate during cooking, while in the second case they could remain raw inside.

Adding salt and acid

To make the potatoes even tastier, you can add salt and acid to the cooking water. Salt helps to flavor the potatoes, while acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) prevents them from darkening during cooking.

Water temperature

The water should be brought to a boil before immersing the potatoes. It is better not to cook them in cold water, because in this way heating would be too slow and the potatoes could fall apart. Once the water boils, lower the heat slightly and cook for about 20-25 minutes.

• Potatoes small: 20 minutes
• Potatoes medium: 25 minutes
• Potatoes large: 30 minutes

To check if the potatoes are cooked, just poke them with a fork: if they go in easily, it means they are ready.

Conclusion:

Boiling potatoes may seem simple, but by following these tips you will achieve perfect results. Choosing the right potatoes, cutting them evenly, adding salt and acid to the cooking water, and cooking them at the appropriate temperature are the secrets to obtaining perfectly boiled potatoes to serve as a side dish or use as a base for other recipes.