Steaming Spuds: Electric Steamers For Perfect Potatoes

Electric steamers are a convenient way to cook potatoes, as they allow you to set the controls and prepare other dishes simultaneously. They are also a healthy cooking option, as they keep more nutrients intact compared to other methods. When steaming potatoes, it is best to leave the skins on to protect the flesh from water or steam, which can make the potatoes soggy and rob them of flavour. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes and the desired texture, with smaller potatoes taking around 20 minutes and larger potatoes up to 40 minutes for softer, mashable potatoes.

How long to steam potatoes for

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an electric steamer. The length of time you steam potatoes for depends on their size. Small potatoes will take 10-15 minutes, while larger potatoes can take up to 30 minutes. If you are steaming potatoes of different sizes, cut them into evenly-sized pieces to ensure they cook in the same amount of time.

To steam potatoes, first, fill your steamer with water, leaving enough space so that the water doesn't touch the potatoes. Add a steamer basket and place your potatoes inside, with the largest potatoes at the bottom and the smallest at the top. Cover the pot with a lid and place over high heat until the water begins to boil. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to steam until they are tender. Check the potatoes with a fork after 10-15 minutes. If the fork slides in easily, they are done.

Whether to peel potatoes before steaming

If you do decide to peel your potatoes before steaming them, it is recommended to use a potato peeler to remove the skins as thinly as possible, as most of the flavour is near the skin. It is also important to peel the potatoes just before cooking, as leaving them in water for too long can affect their flavour and texture.

If you are using an electric steamer, you can simply fill the bottom with water, vegetable or chicken broth, or a mixture of broth and white wine, and any fresh or dried herbs or spices you want to use. Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, put the lid on, and set the timer. The potatoes are cooked when they can be easily pierced with a skewer or fork.

Whether you choose to peel your potatoes or not, steaming is a healthy and convenient way to cook them, as it preserves more nutrients than other cooking methods. It is also a good option for busy cooks, as it requires minimal preparation and attention during cooking.

What to serve steamed potatoes with

Steamed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served in a multitude of ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

Keep it Simple

If you want to let the flavour of the potatoes shine, a simple seasoning of butter, salt, and pepper is a great option. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, rosemary, tarragon, basil, or mint for an extra flavour boost.

Go for Garlic

For a more intense flavour, garlic butter is a perfect pairing with steamed potatoes. Simply melt some butter, mix in some garlic, and drizzle over the potatoes. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the garlic butter for an even more flavourful dish.

Salads and Cold Dishes

Steamed potatoes are also excellent in cold dishes like potato salad. Just let them cool to room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator before adding your favourite salad ingredients.

Main Course Pairings

Steamed potatoes can be served as a side dish with various main courses. They go well with meat dishes, such as steak, beef tenderloin, or pork tenderloin. They also pair nicely with chicken dishes, including grilled chicken, baked chicken cutlets, or fried chicken.

Other Potato Side Dishes

If you want to explore more potato options, try classic roasted potatoes, baked potatoes, boiled potatoes, or mashed potatoes. For something a little different, go for baked potato wedges, parmesan potatoes, steak fries, or baked French fries.

With their versatility and simplicity, steamed potatoes are a great base for a variety of flavours and can be adapted to suit many different meals.

How to season steamed potatoes

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an electric steamer! Here is a guide on how to season them:

There are many ways to season steamed potatoes. The best way to season them is to keep it simple. For example, mixing steamed potatoes with butter, garlic, and parsley is a classic combination of flavours. Here are some other ways to season steamed potatoes:

• Butter and parsley: These are the essentials! Make sure to salt the potatoes well.
• Garlic: This is optional, but it brings a forward flavour since the garlic is added after steaming. Only add garlic if you're a garlic lover!
• Old Bay seasoning: The classic New England Old Bay seasoning is perfect for potatoes.
• Fresh herbs: Try 1 tablespoon of finely minced rosemary, thyme, or sage, or a combination of all three.
• Chives: Try chopped chives for a different flavour.
• Parmesan cheese: Everything is better with a little grated or shredded Parmesan.
• Salt and pepper: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
• Dill, thyme, and rosemary: These common herbs can be added directly to the steaming liquid or brushed onto the outside of the potatoes with extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter.

Tips for Steaming Potatoes

When steaming potatoes, it is recommended to leave the skins on to protect the flesh from the water or steam, which can rob the potatoes of flavour. If you do peel the potatoes, use a potato peeler to pare off the skins as thinly as possible. Also, if you are peeling potatoes, don't let them sit around in water for hours before they're needed. It is best to peel them just before you need them.

To steam potatoes, pour boiling water from a kettle into a pan fitted with a fan steamer. Place the potatoes in the steamer, sprinkle with salt, and if they are new potatoes, tuck in a few sprigs of mint. Put a tight lid on and let them steam over low heat until the potatoes are tender. This will take 20-25 minutes, or 15-20 minutes for small new potatoes.

What type of potatoes to steam

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an electric steamer. But what type of potatoes should you use?

You can steam any size or type of potato, but small potatoes are best. For example, baby Yukon gold or red potatoes are great options. If you're steaming larger potatoes, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

When steaming potatoes, it's important to ensure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. This is especially important if you're not planning to peel them, as the skin helps to protect the flesh from the steam, which can rob the potatoes of flavour. If you do peel your potatoes, use a potato peeler and pare off the skins as thinly as possible to retain as much flavour as possible.

Red potatoes are a popular choice for steaming, as they are healthy and convenient. Steaming red potatoes keeps more nutrients intact compared to other cooking methods. You can serve steamed red potatoes as they are, mashed with or without skins, or cooled in cold recipes like potato salad.

So, to summarise, when steaming potatoes, opt for small potatoes, such as baby Yukon gold or red potatoes, and ensure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Frequently asked questions