How to Cook Small Potatoes on the Stove
Cooking small potatoes on the stove is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Whether you want to make a side dish or incorporate them into a main course, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook small potatoes on the stove.
1. Choose the right potatoes: Select small potatoes that are firm and have smooth skins. Look for varieties like baby potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or new potatoes.
2. Wash the potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a scrub brush to gently scrub the skins if needed.
3. Prepare the potatoes: If desired, you can leave the skins on for added texture and flavor. Otherwise, you can peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler.
4. Boil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot and add enough water to cover them. Season the water with salt if desired. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
5. Cook the potatoes: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
6. Drain the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain the water using a colander. Shake off any excess water.
7. Serve the potatoes: You can serve the cooked potatoes as they are or use them in various dishes. They can be seasoned with herbs, butter, or your favorite spices. You can also use them in salads, stews, or roasted dishes.
How Long Does It Take to Boil Potatoes?
The cooking time for boiling potatoes can vary depending on the size and type of potatoes. Here’s a general guideline on how long it takes to boil potatoes:
1. Small potatoes (such as baby potatoes or new potatoes) typically take around 15-20 minutes to boil.
2. Medium-sized potatoes usually take around 20-25 minutes to boil.
3. Large potatoes may take around 25-30 minutes to boil.
It’s important to note that these are just approximate cooking times. The actual cooking time may vary depending on factors such as the altitude, the type of stove, and the freshness of the potatoes.
To check if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork or skewer. If the fork easily goes through the potatoes without much resistance, they are cooked and ready to be drained.
How Long Does It Take for Potatoes to Get Soft on the Stovetop?
The time it takes for potatoes to get soft on the stovetop can vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the potatoes. Here’s a general guideline:
1. Boiling: Small potatoes usually take around 15-20 minutes to become soft when boiled. Medium-sized potatoes may take around 20-25 minutes, while larger potatoes can take around 25-30 minutes.
2. Simmering: If you prefer a gentler cooking method, you can simmer the potatoes in water or broth. Small potatoes may take around 20-25 minutes to become soft when simmered. Medium-sized potatoes may take around 25-30 minutes, while larger potatoes can take around 30-35 minutes.
3. Steaming: Steaming potatoes can be a quicker method compared to boiling or simmering. Small potatoes may take around 10-15 minutes to become soft when steamed. Medium-sized potatoes may take around 15-20 minutes, while larger potatoes can take around 20-25 minutes.
Remember to test the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork. If the fork easily goes through the potatoes without much resistance, they are soft and ready to be enjoyed.
How to Cook Raw Potatoes?
Raw potatoes can be cooked in various ways, depending on the desired dish or recipe. Here are a few common methods for cooking raw potatoes:
1. Roasting: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the raw potatoes into desired shapes (such as cubes, wedges, or slices). Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
2. Mashing: Peel the raw potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces. Place them in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Frying: Peel the raw potatoes and cut them into thin slices or strips. Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the potato slices or strips to the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Boiling: Peel the raw potatoes and cut them into desired sizes. Place them in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water and serve the boiled potatoes as a side dish or use them in other recipes.
These are just a few methods for cooking raw potatoes. Depending on your preference, you can also use raw potatoes in dishes like potato salad, gratins, or soups. Experiment with different cooking techniques and seasonings to discover your favorite way to enjoy raw potatoes.
How long do you bake small potatoes?
When baking small potatoes, the cooking time can vary depending on the size and type of potato. Generally, small potatoes can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour. It is important to pierce the skin of the potatoes with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding in the oven. The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Do you boil potatoes in water or boil water first?
When boiling potatoes, it is generally recommended to start with cold water and then bring it to a boil. This allows the potatoes to cook more evenly and ensures that the inside of the potatoes are fully cooked before the outside becomes too soft. Placing the potatoes in already boiling water can result in uneven cooking and may lead to the outside being overcooked while the inside remains undercooked.
Do you cover potatoes when boiling?
Whether or not to cover the potatoes when boiling is a personal preference. Covering the pot can help retain heat and cook the potatoes faster. However, it can also cause the water to boil over or create excessive steam, which may result in soggy potatoes. If you prefer firmer potatoes, it is better to leave the pot uncovered during boiling. If you like softer potatoes, covering the pot can help achieve a softer texture.
How long does it take to boil potatoes on the stove?
The cooking time for boiling potatoes on the stove can vary depending on the size and type of potatoes. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to boil small to medium-sized potatoes. Larger potatoes may take longer, around 25-30 minutes. It is important to check the doneness of the potatoes by piercing them with a fork. The potatoes should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking can result in potatoes that are too soft and fall apart.
Why are my potatoes not getting soft when boiling?
If your potatoes are not getting soft when boiling, there could be a few reasons for this. One possibility is that the potatoes are not fully cooked. Make sure you are boiling them for a sufficient amount of time until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Another reason could be that the potatoes are old or have been stored for too long, which can affect their texture and make them harder to soften. Additionally, using the wrong type of potato for boiling, such as waxy potatoes instead of starchy ones, can result in potatoes that do not soften easily.
Can you overcook potatoes?
Yes, it is possible to overcook potatoes. When potatoes are overcooked, they can become mushy and lose their texture. Overcooking can also cause the potatoes to lose their flavor and nutrients. It is important to keep an eye on the potatoes while cooking and remove them from heat as soon as they are tender.
How do you boil potatoes properly?
To properly boil potatoes, start by scrubbing them clean under running water to remove any dirt. Then, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning.
Next, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and serve them hot or use them in your desired recipe.
Is it best to boil potatoes rapidly?
It is not recommended to boil potatoes rapidly. Rapid boiling can cause the potatoes to cook unevenly, with the outside becoming mushy while the inside remains undercooked. It is best to simmer the potatoes over medium-low heat to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape and texture.
Can you boil potatoes too long?
Yes, you can boil potatoes for too long. If potatoes are boiled for an extended period, they can become overcooked and mushy. It is important to monitor the cooking time and remove the potatoes from heat as soon as they are tender. Overcooked potatoes can lose their flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Why do you put salt in water when boiling potatoes?
Adding salt to the water when boiling potatoes serves several purposes. Firstly, it enhances the flavor of the potatoes by allowing the salt to penetrate the potatoes as they cook. Secondly, salt helps to season the potatoes from within rather than relying solely on external seasoning. Lastly, adding salt to the water can help prevent the potatoes from becoming waterlogged or too soggy as the salt helps to regulate the absorption of water.
Summary:
Boiling potatoes properly involves cutting them into even-sized pieces, covering them with cold water, and simmering them over medium-low heat until tender. It is important to avoid overcooking the potatoes as they can become mushy and lose their texture. Rapid boiling is not recommended as it can result in uneven cooking. Adding salt to the water enhances the flavor of the potatoes and helps to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
