Studying how to boil potatoes is not difficult. While the process is straightforward, some facts are worth remembering.
Size Matters
Be certain the potatoes are roughly the same size. They can be cut into several pieces, or whole, unpeeled or peeled; what matters is the dimensions have to be similar. Otherwise, the boiling time will vary. Different sizes will result in uneven cooking. The larger the potatoes, the longer they will take to boil.
Use Cold Water
Place the potatoes in a pan. Pour cold water over it. Add as much water as needed to submerge the potatoes by an inch or two. Cover the pan. Turn the heat on and let the water boil. Using cold water ensures uniform cooking. If you use hot water, there is the risk of overcooking the outer parts and leaving the interior uncooked.
If you are studying how to boil potatoes, remember to put only the required water. Potatoes don’t require a lot of water. Using less water translates to energy savings. Potatoes will also cook much quicker. Just add more water if there is a sign of boiling off.
Do Not Use Pan Covers
Covering the pan will produce a super-heated environment that affects the cooking process. After boiling for five minutes, check if they are done. Use a skewer or fork to poke the potatoes. They are cooked if your poking encounters no resistance up to the center.
Which Potatoes are Best?
The waxy potatoes are the best in this case. You can also use all purpose potatoes if they are available. If you have starchy potatoes, be sure they are not covered as you mash.
Cooking Time and Other Info
Usually potatoes take 25 to 30 minutes to cook. However, the time can range from 15 to 40 minutes. If the potatoes are big, it will take longer. Chopping big potatoes into one inch chunks can reduce cooking time to 25 minutes. The medium variety takes about 30 minutes. The uncut potatoes will take forty minutes.
Newly harvested potatoes cook five minutes less compared to older potatoes. If they are not mashed, a bit of firmness is needed. Mashed potatoes must have a cream-like consistency.
When exploring how to boil potatoes, remember that variety and type play a huge role. The firm ones will take longer to cook. A firm and large potato can be several minutes longer to prepare. Keep these in mind always.
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