Steaming Potatoes: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Option

Yes, you can cook potatoes in a steamer! Steaming is a great way to cook potatoes, especially if you want to retain their nutritional value. It is a gentle cooking method that is particularly good for very starchy potatoes and those that fall apart easily. Small potatoes, such as new potatoes, taste delicious when steamed in their skins. Larger potatoes should be cut into small, even-sized chunks or slices before steaming. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the type of steamer you are using, but it usually ranges from 5 to 25 minutes.

How long to steam potatoes for

The cooking time for steamed potatoes depends on the size of the potatoes and the heat level. Small potatoes will take less time to cook, while larger potatoes may take up to 40 minutes.

When cooking on a medium heat, potatoes should be done in around 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to check smaller potatoes after 20 minutes and larger potatoes after 40 minutes.

Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife or fork. For fork-tender potatoes, check periodically after the first 10 minutes of cooking.

Should you peel potatoes before steaming?

Steaming is a great way to cook potatoes, and it's super easy to do. But should you peel them first? Well, it's really up to you. Leaving the skins on can help protect the flesh from the steam, which can rob the potatoes of flavour and make them soggy. It also adds nutrients and texture. However, if you're not going to peel them, you'll need to make sure your potatoes are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

If you do decide to peel your potatoes, use a potato peeler and pare off the skins as thinly as possible to retain as much flavour as you can. It's also best to peel them just before you need them, rather than letting them sit in water for hours.

So, in conclusion, whether you peel your potatoes before steaming is really a matter of personal preference. Just make sure they're nice and clean, either way!

What to season steamed potatoes with

Steaming is a great way to cook potatoes, and there are plenty of seasoning options to elevate your dish.

Firstly, it is important to note that the type of potato you use can affect the cooking time and the overall flavour. Small, waxy potatoes with a rich, buttery texture are a popular choice for steaming. You can also use mini potatoes, baby potatoes, or a medley of yellow, red, and purple potatoes for a colourful dish.

When it comes to seasoning, salt is a popular choice, and it is often added to the water when boiling to internally season the potatoes. However, you can also achieve good results by salting the potatoes after steaming. If you want to try something other than salt, here are some seasoning options:

• Butter and herbs: Melted butter with fresh or dried herbs is a classic way to season steamed potatoes. You can use herbs such as dill, basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme, or sage.
• Garlic: Minced or fresh garlic added to the butter and herb mixture can bring a forward flavour to the dish, but it is best suited for garlic lovers as the flavour can be strong.
• Old Bay seasoning: This classic New England seasoning is a perfect complement to the flavour of steamed potatoes.
• Chives: Chopped chives can add a mild onion flavour to the potatoes.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavour of the potatoes and add a crispy texture.

When seasoning your steamed potatoes, it is best to keep it simple and use a combination of flavours that you enjoy. You can experiment with different herbs and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile. Additionally, if you are using a rice cooker to steam your potatoes, you may want to increase the marination time and create more surface area by cutting the potatoes into thick slabs or poking holes in them to allow the seasoning to penetrate the potato.

How to steam potatoes without a steamer

Yes, you can cook potatoes in a steamer. However, if you don't have a steamer, there are a few ways to steam potatoes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Wash the potatoes

Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or chemicals. You don't need to peel the potatoes, as leaving the skins on will help them hold their shape after cooking. However, if you prefer to peel them, use a potato peeler to remove the skins thinly and evenly.

Prepare your steaming setup

There are a few ways to steam potatoes without a steamer:

• Using a colander or strainer: Fill a pot with about half an inch of water and place a metal colander or strainer inside, ensuring the water doesn't touch the colander. If your colander doesn't rest on the rim, you can hold it in place with an oven mitt or use a heat-proof handle.
• Using aluminium foil and a plate: Fill a pot with about half an inch of water and create three golf ball-sized wads of aluminium foil. Place the foil balls into the pot and put a heat-proof plate on top.
• Using a microwave: Put the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add just enough water to cover about 1/8 of the potatoes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate.

Steam the potatoes

Place the potatoes in your chosen steaming setup. If using a colander or strainer, arrange them in a single layer. If using a plate, spread them out evenly. Cover the pot or bowl tightly with a lid to trap the steam and moisture.

Cook the potatoes

Place the pot or bowl on the stove or in the microwave and heat until the potatoes are cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the method and the size of your potatoes. For the stove methods, it usually takes around 10-15 minutes on medium heat. For microwaving, it's typically around 5 minutes. Check the potatoes regularly to prevent overcooking. You'll know they're done when they're soft and can be easily pierced with a knife or fork.

Season and serve

Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and season as desired. You can add butter, salt, pepper, and herbs such as parsley, chives, rosemary, tarragon, basil, or mint. Toss gently to coat the potatoes, and then serve.

What size potatoes are best for steaming

Yes, you can cook potatoes in a steamer!

Steaming potatoes is a great way to cook them, and you can steam any size of potato. However, most people agree that small potatoes are best for steaming. Small potatoes are quicker to cook, and they are less likely to dry out. If you're steaming larger potatoes, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces to help them cook more evenly.

When steaming potatoes, it's important to make sure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. Cut larger potatoes into quarters and smaller potatoes in half. Place the largest potatoes at the bottom of the steamer and the smallest ones on top.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes. Small potatoes will take around 10-15 minutes to cook, while larger potatoes may take up to 40 minutes. You'll know they're done when you can easily pierce them with a knife or skewer.

Frequently asked questions