Steaming Potatoes: How Long In A Cruisart Steamer?

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook potatoes, and it's also easy and quick. But how long you steam them for depends on the size of the potatoes and the method you use. Small potatoes will take around 10-15 minutes, while larger potatoes can take 20 minutes or more. If you're using a pressure cooker,sectioned potatoes will take around 8 minutes, while whole potatoes will take at least 20 minutes.

How to prepare potatoes for steaming

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook potatoes, and it's also easy and quick. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare potatoes for steaming:

Step 1: Wash the Potatoes

Give the potatoes a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt or chemicals on the skin. Make sure to use a scrub brush and vigorously scrub the potatoes. You don't need to use soap or any other cleaning agents.

Step 2: To Peel or Not to Peel?

This is a matter of personal preference and cooking method. Leaving the skins on helps the potatoes retain their shape and flavour. If you're steaming larger potatoes, it's best to leave the skins on to protect the flesh from the steam. However, if you're using a steamer basket, you may need to peel the potatoes to ensure even cooking. If you do peel them, use a potato peeler and pare off the skins thinly, as the best flavour is near the skin.

Step 3: Cut the Potatoes (Optional)

If you've peeled the potatoes or have a mix of large and small potatoes, cut them into evenly sized chunks. For large potatoes, quarter them, and for small potatoes, halve them. This ensures that all the potatoes cook at the same rate.

Step 4: Prepare the Steamer

If using a steamer basket, boil about 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) of water in a pot. The water should not touch the steamer basket. If using a plate and aluminium foil method, fill a medium pot with about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of water and place three golf ball-sized foil balls in the pot, with a heat-proof plate on top.

Step 5: Place the Potatoes in the Steamer

Arrange the potatoes in the steamer basket with the largest ones at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. If using the plate method, spread the potatoes evenly on the plate.

Step 6: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot tightly with a lid. This traps the moisture and creates steam, cooking the potatoes. Steam the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat for small to medium potatoes. Larger potatoes may take up to 20-25 minutes. Check the potatoes with a thin skewer or a knife; they are done when they are tender, with no hard centre.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the steamer and season with butter, salt, and herbs to taste. Enjoy!

How long to steam potatoes

The cooking time for steamed potatoes depends on the size of the potatoes and the steaming method. Small potatoes will take less time to cook than larger potatoes.

Steamer Basket

Wash the potatoes and leave the skin on to help them keep their shape. Boil 1-3 inches of water in a pot with a steamer basket. Place the potatoes in the basket with the largest ones at the bottom and cover the pot with a lid. Cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat. You can also use a metal sieve or colander instead of a steamer basket.

Aluminum Foil

Scrub the potatoes under running water and dry them. Fill a medium pot with 0.5 inches of water and three golf ball-sized aluminium foil wads. Place a heat-proof plate on top of the foil. Bring the water to a boil and put the potatoes on the plate. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes.

Microwave

Wash the potatoes and leave the skin on. Put the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover about 1/8 of the potatoes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Cook the potatoes in the microwave for 5 minutes, checking every 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Pressure Cooker

Scrub and cut the potatoes into 1.5-inch pieces. Place a steamer rack into the pressure cooker and fill the pot with two cups of water. Put the potatoes on the rack and cook under pressure for 8 minutes. Release the pressure and check the potatoes. If they need more time, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

How to tell when potatoes are done

There are several ways to tell when steamed potatoes are done. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat level. Small potatoes will take around 20 minutes to cook, while larger potatoes may take up to 40 minutes.

One way to check if your potatoes are done is to pierce them with a thin skewer, knife, or fork in the thickest part. If the potatoes are ready, the skewer should slide in easily, and they should not be hard in the centre. You can also check by gently shaking the potato while it's stabbed with a knife. If it falls off the knife, it's done.

Another way to tell if your potatoes are done is to observe their skins. If the skins have started to peel or become transparent, this could be a sign that the potatoes are cooked. Additionally, you may be able to smell when the potatoes are done—the aroma of a fully baked potato is often noticeable.

For mashed potatoes, you can also check by observing the potatoes. If they start to fall apart, they're very tender and ready for mashing.

How to season steamed potatoes

There are many ways to season steamed potatoes, and it's a great way to add flavour to your dish. Here are some tips and tricks to get the best results:

• Keep it simple: A classic combination of butter, parsley, salt and pepper is a great way to enhance the flavour of steamed potatoes without overwhelming them. Make sure to use a generous amount of butter and don't skimp on the salt and pepper!
• Garlic: If you're a garlic lover, adding some minced garlic to the mix can bring a forward flavour to your potatoes. Just be aware that garlic has a strong taste, so use it sparingly if you're not a big fan.
• Old Bay Seasoning: If you're looking for a classic New England flavour, Old Bay seasoning is perfect for potatoes. It has a unique blend of spices that will give your potatoes a real kick.
• Fresh herbs: Try using finely minced rosemary, thyme, sage, or a combination of all three to add some freshness and flavour to your dish. About 1 tablespoon should be enough.
• Chives: Chopped chives can add a mild onion flavour to your potatoes, which can be a nice change from the more common herbs.
• Parmesan cheese: Let's face it, everything is better with cheese! Grate or shred some Parmesan cheese over your steamed potatoes for a salty, savoury touch.
• Salt the water: If you want to season your potatoes from the inside out, try salting the water you're using to steam them. This can be a great way to ensure your potatoes are full of flavour, but be careful not to overdo it as too much salt can be overpowering.
• Increase marination time: If you're marinating your potatoes before steaming, try increasing the marination time to overnight. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the potatoes.
• Increase surface area: Cut your potatoes into thick slabs or chunks, or poke holes in them to increase the surface area. This will give the seasoning more places to stick and will result in a more flavourful potato.

How to store leftover steamed potatoes

Steamed potatoes are a delicious and healthy treat, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover steamed potatoes stay fresh and tasty.

Firstly, it's important to let your steamed potatoes cool down to room temperature. Be mindful not to let them sit out for too long, as this could pose a food safety issue. The ideal time frame is to get them into the fridge within two hours of cooking.

Once your potatoes have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container, such as a plastic container with a lid or a plastic storage bag. This will help keep your potatoes fresh and dry in the refrigerator. They should last between three to five days in the fridge when stored this way.

If you're looking to repurpose your leftover potatoes into another dish, freezing them is a great option. Place the cooled potatoes in the freezer, making sure they're not touching each other. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight plastic bag or wrap them individually in aluminium foil. Frozen potatoes can last up to six months and can be seasoned and popped into the oven when you're ready to use them.

When reheating your leftover steamed potatoes, it's best to avoid the microwave, as this can alter their texture. Instead, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for about 20 minutes to maintain a crispy skin and fluffy interior.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover steamed potatoes for several days while ensuring food safety and maintaining their delicious taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions