The Perfect Timing For Cubed Potatoes In A Hot Pot

Cubed potatoes are a versatile dish that can be used in many recipes, including potato salads, mashed potatoes, and even Indian aloo paratha. The cooking time for cubed potatoes in a hot pot will depend on the size of the cubes and the type of potato used. Generally, cubed potatoes will take around 10 to 15 minutes to cook in a hot pot, but this time can vary depending on the size and type of potato. For example, larger potatoes will take longer to cook than smaller, cubed potatoes. It is important to ensure that all the potatoes are cut into uniform sizes so that they cook at the same rate. Additionally, it is recommended to use waxy potatoes with lower starch levels, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better during cooking.

Boiling cubed potatoes: 10-15 minutes

Preparation

Before boiling cubed potatoes, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are all roughly the same size. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate. If you are boiling whole potatoes alongside the cubed potatoes, it is best to separate them and boil the cubes separately to avoid overcooking.

When preparing the potatoes, start by rinsing them under cold water and scrubbing them with a vegetable brush. You can peel the potatoes before boiling, or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on can help the potatoes hold their shape while boiling.

Boiling

Once your potatoes are prepared, place them in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. The water level should be about an inch above the potatoes. Add salt to the water—a general rule is to add about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of potatoes.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes for cubed potatoes. To check if they are done, pierce a potato with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, they are ready.

After Boiling

Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them in a colander. If your recipe calls for cold potatoes, you can run them under cold water or submerge them in an ice bath to cool them down quickly.

Tips

• Choose waxy potatoes with lower starch levels, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they will hold their shape better during cooking.
• If you are short on time, cutting the potatoes into cubes will reduce the cooking time compared to boiling them whole.
• If you are making mashed potatoes, it is better to use starchy potatoes like Russets.

Boiling whole potatoes: 20-25 minutes

Boiling whole potatoes takes longer than boiling cubed or cut-up potatoes. In general, small or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 15 minutes to boil, while larger, whole potatoes will take between 20 to 25 minutes.

When boiling whole potatoes, it's important to ensure they are all roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. If you're boiling whole potatoes, you might need to remove smaller potatoes from the water sooner and let larger potatoes cook a little longer.

To boil whole potatoes, start by cleaning the potatoes. Rinse them under cold water and scrub them with a vegetable brush, especially if you plan to leave the skin on while boiling.

Next, place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add salt—about 1 teaspoon per pound of potatoes. Bring the potatoes and water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the potatoes:

• New or small potatoes (around 1oz/30g each): Boil for 15 minutes.
• Medium potatoes (around 3.9oz/110g): Boil for 25-30 minutes.
• Large potatoes (around 8oz/225g each): Boil for 40 minutes.

When the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them and either peel or leave the skin on. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and herbs like dill or rosemary, or a bit of butter or olive oil.

It's important to note that the cooking times mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as the strength of your burner and the number of potatoes you're cooking.

Boiling potatoes in a microwave: 10 minutes

Boiling Cubed Potatoes in a Microwave: 10 Minutes

Boiling cubed potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook your potatoes. It is best to use a microwave if you are only cooking a small batch of potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide to boiling cubed potatoes in the microwave in 10 minutes.

Prepping the Potatoes

First, you will need to prepare your potatoes. Give them a good scrub with a vegetable brush, removing any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it is not necessary. In fact, leaving the skin on can help the potatoes hold their shape while boiling. If you are using large potatoes, you will need to cut them into smaller pieces. Try to keep the cubes roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate. Place the potato cubes in a large bowl of cold water while you chop the rest to prevent them from browning.

Boiling the Potatoes

Place the potato cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with an inch of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, making sure to poke holes in the wrap to vent. Microwave the potatoes on high for 5 minutes, then check to see if they are done. You will know they are done when they are easily pierced with a fork or knife. If they are not done after 5 minutes, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until they are tender. Once they are cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander.

Cooling the Potatoes

If your recipe calls for cooled potatoes, you can quickly cool the potatoes by submerging them in an ice bath. You can also spread them out on a baking sheet to help them cool down and maintain their shape and texture.

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Boiling potatoes in an Instant Pot: 5-10 minutes

Boiling Cubed Potatoes in an Instant Pot: 5-10 Minutes

Boiling cubed potatoes in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process that will have your spuds cooked to perfection in no time! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your potatoes clean using a vegetable brush, especially if you plan to boil them with the skin on. You can peel them beforehand if you prefer, but it's not necessary as the skin will slip off easily once they're cooked. Then, cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you chop the rest.

Step 2: Add Water and Salt

Place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan or the Instant Pot steel insert. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes, usually about 1-2 inches deep. Stir in a pinch of salt, which will help season the potatoes as they cook. If you want to preserve their shape, you can also add a little vinegar to the water.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Cook

Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cooking time will depend on the size of your cubed potatoes. For small cubes, cook for about 5-8 minutes. For larger cubes, cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes and check for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife. The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced all the way through.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired doneness, drain them in a colander or strainer. If your recipe calls for cold potatoes, you can run them under cold water or place them in an ice bath to cool them down quickly. Season with salt and pepper, herbs, butter, or olive oil to taste, and enjoy!

Tips for Boiling Cubed Potatoes:

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or all-purpose potatoes. These varieties hold their shape better during cooking and have a creamy texture when done.
• For even cooking, ensure that all your potato cubes are roughly the same size.
• Start with cold water and add salt to enhance the flavour and ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy. Drain them immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process.
• If you're boiling whole potatoes with the skin on, it's easier to peel them after boiling once they have cooled down enough to handle.

Boiling potatoes in a slow cooker: 6-8 hours

Boiling cubed potatoes in a slow cooker is a hands-off method that will give you tender results.

To boil cubed potatoes in a slow cooker, first scrub the potatoes clean using a vegetable scrubber. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on may help the potatoes hold their shape while boiling. Next, cut the potatoes into cubes. It's important to make sure that the potato cubes are roughly the same size so that they cook at the same rate.

Place the cubed potatoes in your slow cooker and cover them with an inch of water or broth. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage, if desired. Then, simply leave the potatoes to cook on a low heat setting for 6 to 8 hours, or until they are tender. To check if they are done, insert a knife or fork into one of the potatoes. If it slides in without much effort, they are ready to be drained.

If you need to cool the potatoes quickly for your recipe, you can submerge them in an ice bath. Slow-cooked potatoes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days.

Frequently asked questions