Steaming Potatoes: Pressure Cooker Perfection In Minutes

Steaming potatoes in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to cook them. The pressure cooker takes about 5 to 10 minutes to come to pressure, and the potatoes will be ready in under 15 minutes. The beauty of using a pressure cooker is that you can simply set it and walk away, and it will beep when your food is ready.

How to steam different-sized potatoes

Steaming potatoes in a pressure cooker is a convenient way to prepare them for various dishes. Here is a guide on how to steam different-sized potatoes:

Baby potatoes (1-1.5 inches)

You can steam baby potatoes whole or cut them in half. They are perfect for snacks and take less time to cook. Steam them for 1 minute with a natural release of 10 minutes.

Small potatoes (2-3 inches)

Cut these potatoes in half or quarter them, depending on their size. Small potatoes will cook faster than larger ones. Steam them for 5-7 minutes, followed by a natural release of 10 minutes.

Medium potatoes (3-4 inches)

Cut medium-sized potatoes into quarters. You can also keep them whole if they are on the smaller side. Steam medium potatoes for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes.

Large potatoes (over 4 inches)

Cut large potatoes into at least four pieces, ensuring that each piece is no bigger than 2 inches. If the pieces are larger than 2 inches, cut them down further to ensure even cooking. Steam large potatoes for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release of 10 minutes.

General Instructions:

Regardless of the size, it is important to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cooking. You can peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. When cutting the potatoes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

To steam potatoes in a pressure cooker, add water to the cooker and place a trivet or steamer basket inside. Place the potatoes on the trivet or in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Secure the lid, set the cooker to high pressure, and cook for the recommended time based on the potato size. After cooking, release the pressure naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.

You can also use an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot. Simply press the "Steam" button and adjust the time based on the size of your potatoes. Remember to always use caution when handling the pressure cooker, as the steam can cause burns.

How to prepare potatoes for steaming

Preparing potatoes for steaming in a pressure cooker is simple and convenient. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Selecting and Washing the Potatoes:

Choose potatoes that are suitable for steaming, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, Red, or Baby potatoes. These varieties tend to hold their shape well and have a smooth texture when steamed. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Peeling and Cutting the Potatoes:

You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If you decide to peel them, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin carefully. After peeling, cut the potatoes into uniform pieces of about 1 to 1½ inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, as potatoes of the same size will cook at the same rate.

Preparing the Pressure Cooker:

Add water to the pressure cooker. The amount of water required may vary depending on the model of your pressure cooker, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Place a steamer basket or trivet inside the cooker. If using a steamer basket, make sure it fits properly without obstructing the lid. The steamer basket is advantageous as it allows you to take the potatoes out easily and drain the water afterward.

Cooking the Potatoes:

Place the cut potatoes into the steamer basket or directly into the pressure cooker if you're boiling them. Close the lid securely and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the timer for 3-8 minutes of cooking time at high pressure, depending on the size and type of potatoes you're using. The pressure cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure before the actual cooking time begins.

Releasing Pressure and Checking Doneness:

Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure either naturally or through a quick-release method. For natural release, wait for about 10 minutes before moving the valve to the venting position. If you're in a hurry, you can perform a quick release by moving the valve to the venting position or pressing the pressure release button immediately after the cooking time ends. Open the lid and use a fork to check if the potatoes are tender. If they need more time, close the lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at high pressure.

Storing Cooked Potatoes:

If you're not using the steamed potatoes right away, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cooked potatoes by placing them in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag and labeling them with the date. Frozen potatoes can be stored for up to 3 months.

How to use an Instant Pot to steam potatoes

Steaming potatoes in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook them, and you can use any type of potato, from Russet to Yukon Gold. You can steam whole potatoes or cut them into cubes first.

Step-by-step guide to steaming potatoes in an Instant Pot:

Prepare the potatoes:

Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Remove any sprouts or bad spots. Cut the potatoes into 1-1½ inch cubes, if desired.

Assemble the Instant Pot:

Place a wire trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot insert. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Place the potatoes on top of the trivet or in the steamer basket, layering them if necessary.

Set the Instant Pot:

Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and turn the vent to the "Sealing" position. Press the "Steam" button and adjust the time based on the size of your potatoes. For medium-sized potatoes, steam for 10 minutes. For baby potatoes, steam for 1 minute, and for large potatoes, steam for 15-20 minutes.

Allow for natural release:

Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. Then, carefully open the vent with a utensil, being cautious of the hot steam.

Check the potatoes:

The potatoes are now ready to be used in your favourite recipes! If you are not using them right away, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container for up to 5 days.

Tips for steaming potatoes in an Instant Pot:

• You can steam up to 5 pounds of potatoes in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
• The cooking time remains the same regardless of the quantity of potatoes, but the size of the potatoes will affect the cooking time.
• If you don't have a trivet or steamer basket, you can cook the potatoes directly in the water, but some of them will be submerged.
• For diced potatoes, pressure cook for 3 minutes using a steamer basket or 1 minute directly in the pot.

How to steam potatoes without an Instant Pot

Steaming potatoes is a great way to prepare them for use in a variety of dishes, from potato salads to roasted potatoes. While an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can be convenient for this task, it is not necessary. Here is a guide on how to steam potatoes without an Instant Pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by selecting your potatoes. You can use any type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, red, russet, or baby potatoes. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Remove any sprouts or bad spots. For larger potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces, aiming for a size of about 1 to 1.5 inches. This will ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steamer

You will need a pot with a lid, a steamer basket or rack, and water. Place the steamer basket or rack inside the pot. Add enough water to the pot so that it reaches just below the steamer basket or rack. Be careful not to add too much water, as you don't want it to touch the potatoes.

Step 3: Steam the Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes in a single layer on the steamer basket or rack. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can affect cooking time and evenness. Cover the pot with the lid. Turn on the stove to medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, so that the water is at a gentle simmer. This is when you can start timing the cooking. For whole baby potatoes, steam for about 1 minute. Small potatoes will take around 5-7 minutes, medium potatoes around 10-12 minutes, and large potatoes around 15-20 minutes. Check the potatoes with a fork to ensure they are tender before removing them from the steamer.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired doneness, turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer basket or rack from the pot. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before handling. At this point, you can season and serve them as desired, or let them cool completely for use in other recipes. Steamed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

What to do with steamed potatoes

Once you've steamed your potatoes in a pressure cooker, there are a variety of dishes you can make with them. Here are some ideas:

Crispy Potatoes

If you're after a potato with a fluffy interior and a golden, crunchy exterior, you can fry your steamed potatoes in a skillet. Heat some ghee or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts sputtering, carefully add the potatoes, leaving them undisturbed for a minute before flipping them to brown the other side. You can also bake them in the oven or use an air fryer to achieve the same crispy texture.

Potato Salad

For a potato salad, you can fold your steamed potatoes into a salad, either warm or cold. You can add in other ingredients like onions, peppers, or eggs.

Hash

For a quick breakfast hash, toss your steamed potatoes into a skillet with onions and peppers, or brown them in a pan with sunny side up eggs.

Mashed Potatoes

You can also mash your steamed potatoes right in the pot. For extra flavour, you can add in some garlic and herbs, or even make your own homemade butter to mix through.

Roasted Potatoes

For crispy roasted potatoes, toss your steamed potatoes with olive oil, salt, and ground pepper, and spread them onto a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven until browned and crispy on the outside.

Gnocchi

Steaming potatoes is ideal for making gnocchi as they take on less water than boiled potatoes. Simply cut the steamed potatoes into cubes, mash them, and mix in an egg yolk and flour to form a dough. Roll the dough into long sausages and cut into small pieces to form your gnocchi. Drop them into simmering water until they float to the surface.

Homity Pie

For a homity pie, mix your steamed potatoes with cream, parsley, and cheese, and fill a pastry case with the mixture. Grate some hard cheese on top and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Tartiflette

Tartiflette is a comforting dish perfect for cold winter days. Fry bacon, onions, and garlic, and then add in your steamed potatoes. Top with reblochon cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted.

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