Milly Gaines
Boiled potatoes are a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways and paired with a range of main courses. They are a great option for those on a diet as they are quick and easy to make, and can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary requirements. This simple dish can be made more exciting with the addition of herbs, spices and other flavourings, and can be served as a tasty side or a main course. This introduction will explore the different ways to make boiled potatoes, the best types of potatoes to use, and how to adapt the dish to suit dietary needs.
Characteristics and Values Table for Boiled Potatoes for Diet:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best potatoes for boiling | Waxy potatoes, New potatoes, Red Bliss, Fingerlings, Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes |
| Seasoning | Salt, butter, garlic, rosemary, parsley, olive oil, pepper, chives, dill, thyme, sage, bay leaf, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, onion salt, sour cream, mustard, mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice |
| Other tips | Start with cold water, peel and cut potatoes into similar-sized pieces, scrub well and remove sprouts, add aromatics for flavour, boil with the lid off |
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What You'll Learn
Best potatoes for boiling
When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for boiling, there are a few factors to consider, such as the type of potato, its size, and how you plan to use it. While there is no "right" potato for boiling, and any kind of potato can be boiled, certain varieties are better suited for specific applications.
Starchy vs. Waxy Potatoes
The two basic types of potatoes are starchy (also known as mealy) and waxy. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets or Idaho potatoes, have a fluffier and drier texture when cooked, making them ideal for baking, frying, roasting, and mashing. On the other hand, waxy potatoes, like red or yellow potatoes, have a higher moisture content, resulting in a denser and silkier texture. Their ability to retain their shape makes them perfect for boiling, especially when used in salads, soups, and stews.
Popular Choices for Boiling
Some of the most popular choices for boiling include:
- Yukon Gold: These medium-starch potatoes are versatile and can handle boiling well. They have a buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste, making them delicious even with minimal seasoning.
- Round Red Potatoes: These low-starch potatoes, also known as new potatoes or fingerling potatoes, hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for boiled potato salads or soups.
- Purple Peruvian: These potatoes, with their gorgeous blue-purple hue, are medium-starch varieties that can be boiled, mashed, or roasted. However, keep a close eye on them while boiling, as they tend to cook quickly.
- Baby Dutch, or Creamer: These smaller potatoes are excellent for boiling, with their firm yellow skin and creamy texture.
Preparation Tips
When preparing potatoes for boiling, consider the following:
- Size: Smaller potatoes are preferable as they cook more quickly and evenly. If using larger potatoes, cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Peeling: You may peel the potatoes before boiling, but if you prefer to keep the skin on, be sure to scrub them thoroughly and remove any sprouts.
- Cooking: Always start with cold water, season generously, and simmer gently. The potatoes are done when they are tender and a fork can easily pierce through without resistance.
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How to boil potatoes
Boiled potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, with a cooking time of between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. They can be served warm or at room temperature and pair well with a variety of dishes.
To boil potatoes, start by selecting the type of potatoes you want to use. While any type of potato can be boiled, waxy potatoes are the best option as they are less likely to fall apart during the cooking process. Examples of waxy potatoes include new potatoes, red bliss, fingerlings, and baby potatoes. If you are planning to mash the potatoes, starchy potatoes such as russets are a better option.
Once you have chosen your potatoes, wash and scrub them gently under running water to remove any surface debris. If your potatoes are large, you may want to halve or quarter them to ensure even cooking. Try to use potatoes of a similar size so that they cook at the same rate.
Next, transfer the potatoes to a large saucepan or pot and cover them with cold water by at least 2 inches. Add salt to the water, which will season the potatoes as they cook. The amount of salt you add will depend on your preference, but a good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. You can also add other aromatics such as garlic, herbs, or peppercorns to infuse your potatoes with extra flavor.
Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife. The skin should also start to split slightly from the flesh. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but on average, baby potatoes will take 12-15 minutes, small potatoes 15-20 minutes, medium potatoes 20-25 minutes, large potatoes 20-25 minutes, and extra-large potatoes 30 minutes or more.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl. If desired, you can season the potatoes with additional salt and pepper, as well as herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the potatoes as a side dish or enjoy them on their own!
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Boiled potatoes with herbs
Boiled potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they go well with many other foods. They are also a great option for those on a diet, as they can be made in a variety of ways that are low-calorie and nutritious.
To make boiled potatoes with herbs, start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good option as they are medium-starch potatoes that can handle boiling without falling apart. They also have a nice buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. If you plan to make mashed potatoes, russet potatoes are also a good choice as they will give you a creamy mash. However, keep in mind that russets absorb a lot of water, so it is best to keep them whole while boiling.
Next, prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into similar-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly. If you are using small, tender potatoes, you may not need to peel or cut them at all.
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavour. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Depending on the size of the potatoes, this should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, or they will fall apart.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl. Now it's time to add the herbs and seasonings. You can use any combination of herbs and seasonings you like, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, parsley, or chives. Simply toss the potatoes with the herbs, some extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your boiled potatoes with herbs warm or at room temperature. They make a great side dish for grilled steaks, oven-baked pork chops, or baked salmon. Enjoy!
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Boiled potatoes with butter
Boiled potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they go well with a variety of meals. They are also a great option if you're watching your diet. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious boiled potatoes with butter:
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (waxy varieties are best, such as Yukon Gold, yellow, or red potatoes)
- Butter (unsalted is preferable)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (fine sea salt and kosher salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Other seasonings of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
Start by washing and preparing your potatoes. If your potatoes are large, cut them into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can halve or quarter them, or cut them into smaller pieces if you prefer. Try to make the pieces similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
Next, place the potatoes in a medium or large saucepan and add cold water. The water should cover the potatoes by about 1-2 inches. Add a generous amount of salt to the water; potatoes need a good amount of salt to taste flavorful. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic, bay leaves, or peppercorns, for extra flavor.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low or medium, and maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook the potatoes until they are tender. This usually takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato pieces. You can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork or paring knife; if it slides in easily without resistance, they're ready.
When the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Return the saucepan to medium heat and add the butter, along with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. You can also add other ingredients like fresh garlic, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to combine the ingredients and melt the butter.
Return the warm potatoes to the saucepan and gently toss them with the butter and oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. If you'd like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red chili flakes. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips:
- If you want more surface area for the garlic butter to penetrate the potatoes, halve or cut them into smaller pieces before tossing them in the warm garlic butter sauce.
- If you're not planning to boil the potatoes right away, you can store peeled and cut potatoes in a bowl of water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Leftover boiled potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat them in a skillet with a splash of water or butter, or in the microwave in short intervals.
Enjoy your delicious and buttery boiled potatoes as a side dish or as part of a healthy diet!
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Boiled potatoes with garlic
Boiled potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they pair well with many other foods. They are also a great option for those on a diet, as they can be made in a variety of ways that suit dietary preferences and restrictions.
To make boiled potatoes with garlic, you will need:
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or baby reds are recommended)
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary and parsley (optional)
First, peel the potatoes and cut them into similar-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly. If you are not peeling the potatoes, be sure to scrub them well and remove any sprouts. Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. You can also add the garlic cloves to the water for a light garlic taste, though roasting the garlic and adding it after the potatoes are cooked may result in a stronger garlic flavor. Place the potatoes in the boiling water and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potato pieces. To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or a pairing knife into the center of a potato; it should go through easily without resistance.
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and transfer them to a large bowl. Season the potatoes with a dash of salt and black pepper, and add the minced garlic. You can also add fresh rosemary and parsley for extra flavor. Finally, drizzle the potatoes with extra virgin olive oil and toss to ensure they are well-coated. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Some people also like to add butter, milk, or sour cream to their boiled potatoes for extra creaminess and flavor. You can also try different types of potatoes, such as russets, or sweet potatoes, and experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect boiled potato dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Waxy potatoes with medium starch content are best for boiling as they hold their shape and have a nice buttery texture. Examples include Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, Fingerlings, and any variety labelled "baby potatoes".
The boiling time depends on the size of the potatoes. Baby potatoes (approx. 1-inch) take 12-15 minutes, small potatoes (approx. 2-inch) take 15-20 minutes, medium-sized potatoes (approx. 3-inch) take 20-25 minutes, large potatoes (approx. 4-inch) take 20-25 minutes, and extra-large potatoes (approx. 6-inch) take 30+ minutes.
Potatoes are fully cooked when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork slides in easily with little resistance, and the skin begins to split slightly from the flesh.
You can add salt, butter, fresh garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and pepper to enhance the flavour of boiled potatoes.
Wash and scrub the potatoes gently under running water to remove any surface debris. If the potatoes are large, you can halve or quarter them to ensure even cooking.
