Wondering how to cook potatoes? It’s easier than you think! With my simple guide, you’ll master cooking potatoes—whether they’re waxy or floury, with or without skin. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know, from cooking times to the best preparation tips.
Boiling Potatoes: Just 3 Simple Ingredients!
Potatoes can be prepared in countless ways, whether you’re aiming for a tasty side dish or a straightforward main course. For many recipes, you’ll need to boil the potatoes first. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: Choose the right variety based on your dish. Waxy potatoes are great for frying or boiling, while floury ones are perfect for mashed potatoes.
- Water: Use just enough water to barely cover the potatoes while boiling.
- Salt: Always salt the water when cooking potatoes. A good rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of salt per kilogram of potatoes. The salt enhances the flavour and keeps the potatoes from losing their natural taste in the water.’
How Long to Cook Potatoes? Everything You Need to Know
The cooking time for potatoes depends on their type and size. Smaller pieces, like slices or cubes, cook faster than larger, whole potatoes. Here’s a quick guide to help you out:
- Potato Slices: Cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Potato Cubes: Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Extra Small Potatoes (like triplets): Boil for 10-15 minutes.
The type of potato can also affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on them as they cook to ensure they reach the desired tenderness.
Potato Varieties and Their Cooking Times
- Waxy Potatoes: Boil for 20-25 minutes.
- Mostly Waxy Potatoes: Boil for 15-20 minutes.
- Floury Potatoes: Boil for 20-25 minutes.
The cooking time can vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes, so it’s always good to check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.
Cooking Potatoes the Right Way: 4 Essential Tips
Cooking potatoes is quick and easy. Just place the tubers in a pot of salted water and let them simmer until tender. It’s that simple! You’ll find exact measurements in my recipe card below, but here are my top 4 tips for perfect potato cooking:
- Prep Before Boiling: Peel potatoes if making boiled potatoes, and wash thoroughly for skin-on potatoes. Pro tip: Skin-on potatoes are easier to peel when they’re still slightly warm after cooking.
- Choose Even Sizes: Select potatoes of similar size, or cut larger ones into smaller pieces, so they cook evenly.
- Start with Cold Water: Place potatoes in cold water and then bring to a boil. Adding them to hot water can make them mushy.
- Salt the Water Generously: Always add plenty of salt to the cooking water, or the potatoes will taste bland and watery.
