Spud Study: Exploring The Hot Pot Potato Possibility

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including hot pot. Hot pot is a popular dish that originated in the 19th century during the cotton industry in Lancashire, England. It is a simple meal that is typically made with lamb, butter, onions, and layers of potatoes. The potatoes in a hot pot can be sliced thinly and layered, resulting in a crispy top layer and soft, tender potatoes underneath.

In addition to the traditional Lancashire hot pot, potatoes can also be used in other variations of hot pot, such as the African stewed potato recipe, which is especially popular in Cameroon. This dish is versatile, and different combinations of ingredients can be used to create unique flavours. Russet, Irish, or similar starchy and waxy potatoes are recommended for this recipe.

Hot pot is typically served with a selection of sauces or a broth for dipping the ingredients. Potatoes take a few minutes to cook in the simmering broth, and it is recommended to add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid filling up too quickly.

What type of potatoes to use

When it comes to making a hot pot, the type of potatoes you use is important. You need to use potatoes that are both starchy and waxy, such as russet, Irish, Maris Piper, or other similar varieties. These potatoes will give you the desired texture: tender, yet holding their shape so they can soak up all the delicious flavours from the sauce.

While you can use any Irish potatoes you have on hand, it's worth noting that not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to boiling. Some potatoes can become watery when boiled, so if you want creamy potatoes, it's best to get them from a farmer's market or use a variety like Idaho.

If you're making a traditional Lancashire hotpot, it's recommended to use floury potatoes such as Maris Pipers, sliced thinly to a thickness of 2-3mm. This ensures the potatoes on top become crispy while the ones underneath remain soft and tender.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing potatoes for a hot pot is a simple and versatile process. The type of potato you use is important, and it's recommended to opt for starchy and waxy varieties such as russet, Irish, or similar potatoes. These potatoes will hold their shape while absorbing the flavours from the dish's sauce.

To prepare the potatoes, start by peeling them. For a hot pot, it is ideal to cut the potatoes into 2-inch cubes or thinly slice them, preferably using a mandolin or a food processor's slicing attachment. The size and shape of the potato pieces will depend on your preference and the specific hot pot recipe you are following.

If you are making an African-style hot pot, you will add the potatoes to the pot with the other ingredients and cook them until tender. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavours of the spiced tomato sauce.

For a Lancashire hot pot, the potatoes are typically layered with other ingredients in a casserole dish. Start by arranging a layer of sliced potatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add a layer of onions. Repeat this layering process, seasoning each layer well. Finish with a top layer of potatoes. This method ensures that the potatoes on top become crispy, while those underneath remain soft and tender.

Another option is to boil the potatoes separately before adding them to the hot pot. In this case, peel and rinse the potatoes, then place them in a pot with water halfway up the potatoes. Boil them until they are tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once done, place the potatoes on a greased oven tray and grill or broil them in the oven for a few minutes to add some colour and texture.

These are just a few ways to prepare potatoes for a hot pot. The versatility of this dish allows you to customise it to your taste and preferences.

What ingredients to add

The beauty of hot pot is its versatility. You can add a variety of ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some suggestions for ingredients to add to your hot pot, inspired by traditional recipes from Cameroon, England, and East and Southeast Asia:

Proteins

• Beef
• Lamb
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Shrimp
• Beef liver
• Fish tofu
• Fried bean curd rolls
• Fish balls
• Beef balls
• Eggs

Vegetables

• Carrots
• Green beans
• Bell peppers
• Green onions
• Napa cabbage
• Chrysanthemum greens
• Yu choy
• Celtuce
• Kabocha squash
• Potatoes

Starches

• Vermicelli
• Rice
• Glass noodles
• Instant ramen

Spices and Seasonings

• Garlic
• Ginger
• White pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Chicken bouillon
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mint sauce
• Salt

Broths

• Mala beef broth
• Herbal mushroom broth
• Chicken broth

Remember, the key to a successful hot pot is variety. Choose a selection of ingredients from each category to create a well-rounded and flavorful dish. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and tailoring the hot pot to your preferences!

How long to cook for

The cooking time for potatoes in a hot pot will depend on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the cooking method. Here is a guide on how long to cook potatoes in a hot pot:

Boiling Potatoes on the Stove

For this method, you should first cut the potatoes into quarters or cubes, or halve small new potatoes, to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be placed in a large saucepan or Dutch oven and covered with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low or low, and cook for about:

• 15 minutes for small red potatoes, new potatoes, or cubed large russet potatoes
• 20 to 25 minutes for quartered potatoes

Boiling Potatoes in the Microwave

For a quicker option, potatoes can be boiled in the microwave. Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces, place them in a microwave-safe bowl, and cover with water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, then stir and cook for another 5 minutes or until tender.

Boiling Potatoes in a Slow Cooker

The slow cooker is a convenient option that doesn't require stovetop space. Place cut potatoes in the slow cooker with 1 1/4 cups of cooking liquid, such as water or broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until tender.

Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Baked potatoes can be made in an Instant Pot without the need to heat up the oven. This method works best with potatoes of uniform size and shape. Poke holes in the potatoes and place them on a rack in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of cold water. Here are the cooking times for different sizes of Russet potatoes:

• Smaller Russet Potatoes (5 oz each) – 12 minutes on high pressure with a natural pressure release
• Medium Russets (6-7 oz) – 14 min + natural release
• Large Russets (8 oz) – 16 min + natural release
• Extra Large Russets (10-14 oz) – 18-20 min + natural release

Hot Pot with Meat and Vegetables

When making a hot pot with meat and vegetables, such as the African stewed potatoes, the potatoes should be cut into 2-inch cubes. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato used, but it usually takes around 20 minutes for the potatoes to become tender. The bell peppers should be added towards the end of the cooking time, about 3-4 minutes before the dish is ready, so that they remain slightly crisp.

Lancashire Hotpot

For a traditional Lancashire hotpot, the potatoes are thinly sliced and layered on top of the meat and vegetables. The dish is then baked in the oven for 1 hour with a lid, followed by an additional 30 minutes without the lid to crisp up the potatoes.

What to serve it with

What to Serve with a Hot Pot

Hot pot is a versatile dish with many variations, so there are lots of options for what to serve with it. Here are some ideas:

• Bread: A hot pot is delicious served with crusty bread to mop up the juices.
• Vegetables: A green vegetable on the side, such as green beans, goes well with a hot pot. Red cabbage is also a traditional side dish.
• Salad: A crisp, fresh salad can complement the rich flavours of a hot pot.
• Noodles: Rice, yam, cellophane, ramen, or udon noodles can be served on the side or added to the hot pot itself.
• Dumplings: Steamed or fried dumplings can be a tasty addition to a hot pot meal.
• Fruit Juice: A chilled glass of orange juice or another fruit juice can be a refreshing drink to serve with a hot pot.

Frequently asked questions