Whether you want to mash them, saute with some herbs and garlic in butter, to use in potato salad or just have them plain as a side, you need to know how to boil potatoes! Here are two different methods to help you out – on the stove and in the instant pot!
Why Boil Potatoes?
Potatoes are versatile, delicious and pretty healthy when boiled! Boiling potatoes is a great method to cook them, because it’s
- super quick and easy.
- a really healthy way to consume potatoes, especially if you boil them with the skins on – as a result, part of the water-soluble nutrients will be retained.
- going to keep the moisture in – your potatoes won’t dry out after a few hours as they would when baked in the oven or fried in a pan.
How To Boil Potatoes?
Before you start boiling potatoes, you will need to decide whether you want to boil them whole (with or without the skins on), sliced or roughly cubed. As a rule of thumb – whole potatoes will take anywhere between 30-40 minutes to cook, while sliced or cubed potatoes ones will need between 12-17 minutes. Depending on the time you have available and the final result you aim for, you may choose one of the following techniques:
Boiling Potatoes On The Stove
For this traditional method, you will need a stove top and a big pot. Here’s what you need to do:
- Firstly, make sure you choose relatively equally-sized potatoes, then prepare them by washing them thoroughly under running water.
- You can boil the potatoes either with or without the skin on. Boiling with the skins on will help preserve the fiber and possibly more nutrients. They will also hold their shape better. So if you’re making potato salad – it’s better to keep skin on, if you’re going to use them to make mashed potatoes – I find it better to peel before.
- Then it’s time to decide whether you want to boil potatoes whole or chopped. I usually chop mine, because it cuts the cooking time in half and I don’t mind the cutting part.
- Then, once your potatoes are prepared, transfer them to a pot and add water to cover, then add a few good pinches salt and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer the potatoes until ready and fork-tender. Time will depend on the size of the potatoes.
- Finally, drain the potatoes in a colander. If you need to quickly cool them, then give them an ice bath. If using for mash, don’t cool them – add back to a pot and follow your prefered method as described here.
Boiling Potatoes In An Instant Pot
If you happen to have an instant pot with a pressure cook option, then you can easily have your potatoes boiled in no time.
- Firstly, prepare the potatoes by washing them thoroughly under running water and scrubbing off any dirt you’ve got on them. You can again, boil them whole, either with or without the skin on, or chopped.
- Then, place the trivet inside the pot and add some water and a few pinches of salt.
- At this point, close the lid and seal the valve. Use the “steam” option and cook for as long as 5 minutes for smaller potatoes and 10 minutes for larger ones.
- Once ready, release the pressure, open the lid, and then remove the potatoes to use in your favorite dishes!
How To Use Boiled Potatoes?
Boiled potatoes are really versatile and you can use them in a number of recipes. Here are some suggestions:
- Serve them spiced and topped with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano or even rosemary and garlic as a side dish.
- Make potato salad by mixing them with mayo as well as other veggies of your choice.
- Slice and bake them in the oven until crispy and serve with a garlic sauce as an appetizer.
- Mash them with butter as well as milk or with garlic and cheese to make delicious mashed potatoes.
- Bake potatoes au gratin by layering slices of potatoes and cheese on top of each other.
- If you like pancakes, then grate boiled potatoes and mix them with a standard pancake batter. Then, cook and top with cheese.
- You can also add boiled potatoes to your breakfasts as part of stir-fries, frittatas, or egg bakes.
- Use them in wraps together with some fish or chicken, tomato cucumber salad and tzatziki.
How To Store Boiled Potatoes?
If you have boiled more potatoes than you could use in your recipe or just want to meal prep for the week ahead, then you can easily store them in the fridge. Just transfer the boiled potatoes to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days.
More Cooking Tips
Now that you know how to boil potatoes to use them in your favorite recipes, here are some more cooking tips to help you in the kitchen:
How To Boil Potatoes (2 Ways)
Whether you want to mash them, saute with herbs and garlic, use in potato salad or have them as a side, here's how to boil potatoes!
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes
- water to cover
- salt
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water.
- Boil the potatoes either with or without the skin on. Boiling with the skins on will help preserve the fiber and possibly more nutrients. They will also hold their shape better. So if you're making potato salad - it's better to keep skin on, if you're going to use them to make mashed potatoes - I find it better to peel before.
- To reduce cooking time, chop the potatoes in cubes.
- Add them to a pot and cover with water, add a few pinches of salt, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Simmer the potatoes until ready and fork-tender. Time will depend on the size of the potatoes.
- Finally, drain the potatoes in a colander. If you need to quickly cool them, then give them an ice bath. If using for mash, don't cool them - add back to a pot and follow your prefered method as described here.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 161Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 165mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 4g
