How to Boil Potatoes
User Reviews
5
How to Boil Potatoes
Description
The recipe begins with washing and optionally peeling potatoes. Larger potatoes can be cut into uniform 1 to 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a pot with salt and enough cold water to cover them by about an inch.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Smaller cubed potatoes cook in 10–15 minutes, small whole potatoes in 15–20 minutes, and larger whole potatoes in 25–30 minutes. Proper doneness is tested by piercing with a fork. Then, drain the potatoes with a slotted spoon or colander.
Starting the potatoes in cold water and cooking uniformly sized pieces helps avoid mealy and overcooked textures. Salting the cooking water infuses flavor into the potatoes during boiling.
After cooking and cooling to room temperature, boiled potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Different potato types (waxy vs. starchy) affect peeling and texture during boiling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. potato scrubbed and peeled, if desired
- 1 tsp. salt
Instructions
- If chopping, cut larger potatoes into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
- Add potatoes and salt to a large pot and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, keeping a rapid simmer.
- Cook cubed potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes, smaller whole potatoes for 15-20 minutes, and larger whole potatoes for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the potatoes are done when they pierce easily with a fork. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon or drain excess water in a colander.
Notes
- For even cooking, choose potatoes of similar size and cut them uniformly if chopping.
- Start boiling potatoes in cold water to prevent uneven cooking and mealy texture.
- Salting the water enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes during cooking.
- Waxy potatoes can be peeled before boiling; starchy potatoes hold better if boiled with skins on.
- Store boiled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Boiled potatoes freeze well for up to 3 months when sealed in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 87 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 87kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 477mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 2IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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