How to boil potatoes

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and commonly used foods in cooking. They are a basic ingredient for many dishes, such as mashed potatoes, gnocchi, and potato salad. But before you can use them in cooking, it is necessary to boil them.

Why boil potatoes?

Boiling potatoes is the easiest and quickest way to make them soft and ready to use. In addition, boiling helps remove the outer skin of the potatoes and makes it easier to prepare dishes.

How to boil potatoes?

To boil potatoes, follow these simple steps:

• Choose the right potatoes: choose those with smooth skin and no spots or bruises.
• Wash them well under running water to remove any dirt residue.
• Put the potatoes in a pot large enough to hold all the potatoes you want to cook.
• Cover the potatoes with cold salted water (about 1 tablespoon of coarse salt per liter of water).
• Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and let the potatoes cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
• Drain them and let them cool slightly before using them in cooking.

Boiling potatoes is a fundamental step in preparing many tasty dishes. By following these simple steps, you can boil potatoes easily and quickly, ready to be used in many delicious recipes!

Choosing the right potatoes

The choice of the right potatoes is essential to obtain a perfect final result. There are different varieties of potatoes, each with different characteristics and uses.

Yellow or white flesh potatoes?

Yellow-fleshed potatoes are rich in starch and have a soft texture when cooked. They are ideal for making mashed potatoes, gnocchi, and fritters. White-fleshed potatoes, on the other hand, contain less starch and more water, resulting in drier and more floury texture when cooked. They are perfect for making baked or pan-fried potato chips.

New or old potatoes?

New potatoes are those harvested early, usually between May and July. They have a thin and delicate skin, a sweet taste, and a creamy texture. They are perfect for boiling or roasting whole. Old potatoes, on the other hand, are those harvested after summer. They have a thick and tough skin but also a floury texture. They are ideal for making soups, stews, and mashed potatoes.

• To make mashed potatoes choose yellow-fleshed potatoes
• To make baked potato chips choose white-fleshed potatoes
• To make potato salad choose new potatoes
• To make soups and mashed potatoes choose old potatoes

Remember that choosing the right potatoes also depends on the dish you intend to prepare, so carefully evaluate which variety to use to achieve the desired result.

Preparing Potatoes for Boiling

Before boiling potatoes, it's important to prepare them correctly. Follow these steps to achieve optimal results:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

To get the best possible result, choose fresh and high-quality potatoes. Look for those with smooth skin and no spots or bruises.

Washing the Potatoes

Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a stiff brush to gently scrub the potato skin.

Peeling the Potatoes (optional)

Depending on your personal preference, you can peel or leave the potatoes unpeeled before boiling them. If you decide to peel them, use a peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin. Be sure to completely remove the skin and any green or sprouted parts that may be toxic.

Cutting the Potatoes

After washing and peeling (if necessary) the potatoes, cut them into desired size pieces. Remember that smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones.

• For cubes: cut potatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes
• For slices: cut potatoes into thick slices about 1 cm thick
• For whole potatoes: leave potatoes whole or cut in half if very large

After properly preparing the potatoes, you are ready to boil them. Follow our guide on how to boil potatoes for best results.

Boiling Potatoes: Times and Methods

Boiling is one of the most common ways to cook potatoes. Here are some tips on how to do it best:

Cooking Time

The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes you want to cook. In general, a medium potato takes about 20-30 minutes to cook. Larger potatoes may take up to 45-50 minutes.

Cooking Method

There are two main methods for boiling potatoes:

• Cold water method: This method involves placing the potatoes in cold water and bringing them to a boil together with the water. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly and maintain their texture.
• Hot water method: This method involves placing the potatoes in already boiling water. This method is faster but can result in unevenly cooked potatoes.

How to Check if They're Done

To check if the potatoes are done, you can use a fork or toothpick to test the softness of the flesh. If the toothpick easily enters the potato, it's cooked.

Remember that it's important not to overcook the potatoes, otherwise they will become mushy and watery. Additionally, if you want to use them for making potato salads or other recipes that require cold potatoes, it's recommended to cool them quickly by immersing them in cold water after cooking.

How to tell when potatoes are done

Boiling potatoes may seem simple, but it's important to make sure they're cooked just right so you can use them effectively in your recipes. Here are some ways to check if your potatoes are done:

1. Try piercing them with a fork

If you can easily pierce the potato with a fork, then it's done. If you encounter resistance, that means you need to continue cooking.

2. Check the color of the flesh

Cooked potatoes have soft and tender flesh that is white or light yellow in color. If you notice any hard or dark spots in the flesh, that means they're not fully cooked yet.

3. Use a kitchen thermometer

Another way to check if the potatoes are done is to use a kitchen thermometer by inserting it into the center of the potato. The internal temperature should reach 95-98°C when they're cooked.

4. Cut a potato in half

If you're still unsure about the doneness of the potatoes, you can cut one in half and check the texture of the flesh. It should be soft and easy to mash with a fork.

• Remember that the size of the potatoes affects their cooking time. Larger potatoes require more time to cook.
• If you're boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes, make sure not to overcook them or you'll end up with a gummy texture.
• In general, it's better to cook potatoes whole rather than cutting them into pieces before cooking. This way, you'll avoid them falling apart and losing less starch during cooking.

In summary, there are several ways to tell when potatoes are cooked just right: try piercing them with a fork, check the color of the flesh, use a kitchen thermometer, or cut a potato in half. Remember that the size of the potatoes affects their cooking time and it's better to cook them whole rather than cutting them into pieces. By following these tips, you can always cook perfect potatoes!