Tiffany Haney
Boiling potatoes is a simple yet handy cooking skill to have. It is the first step in making several dishes, such as potato salad, mashed potatoes, and roasted potatoes. The cooking time depends on the size and type of potato, as well as the desired texture. For example, small or diced potatoes will take 8 to 20 minutes, while larger, whole potatoes will take 15 to 40 minutes. The key is to test the potatoes for doneness by poking them with a fork or knife; they are ready when tender all the way through.
How long to cook a potato in a pot of water
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of potato | Baby, small, medium, large, whole, cubed, diced |
| Size | Large potatoes should be cut into evenly-sized halves or quarters |
| Amount | A small pot filled with potatoes will take longer to cook |
| Altitude | Higher altitude lowers the boiling temperature, increasing cooking time |
| Water temperature | Potatoes should be added to cold water to prevent the outside from cooking faster than the inside |
| Water amount | Potatoes should be covered with an inch or two of water |
| Salt amount | 1 cup of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1 teaspoon of salt, or 1/2 teaspoon of salt |
| Cooking time | 5-25 minutes, depending on the size and type of potato |
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What You'll Learn
Boiling potatoes with the skin on
To boil potatoes with the skin on, start by washing the potatoes. If you are using large potatoes, peel them and cut them into 1-inch cubes. If you are using baby, small, or medium-sized potatoes, you can leave them whole. Cover the potatoes with water in a large pot and add salt. The amount of salt you add will depend on the amount of water you use. As a general rule, the water should taste "salty like the sea". Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes. Baby potatoes will take around 10-15 minutes to boil, small potatoes will take 15-20 minutes, and large cubed potatoes will take 30-40 minutes. To test if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork or chopstick. If the fork or chopstick goes in easily, the potatoes are done.
If you are using the boiled potatoes for a dish that requires grated cooked potatoes, such as potato dumplings, you can chill the potatoes in cold water after boiling and then remove the skins. This will make the skins easier to remove.
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Boiling potatoes in a slow cooker
If you want to boil potatoes in a slow cooker, it's recommended to cut them into chunks or cubes for even cooking. Baby potatoes can be left whole. Add a small amount of broth or water, some butter or olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley for flavour. You can also line the bottom of the slow cooker with bacon and add bay leaves and peppercorns for extra flavour.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the potatoes on High for 4 to 6 hours, or until they are fork-tender. This timing will vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you're using. For example, baby potatoes may take around 10 to 12 minutes to cook, while large cubed potatoes may take up to 30 to 40 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, you can mash them directly in the slow cooker or scoop them out and pass them through a ricer before returning them to the slow cooker. Add warmed dairy, such as milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream, and butter, stirring slowly until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add more seasonings like salt and pepper to taste. Keep the potatoes warm in the slow cooker for up to 4 hours.
It's worth noting that boiling potatoes in a slow cooker may not be the most effective method in terms of cleaning and time efficiency. However, it can be a safer option if you need to leave them unattended during cooking. Additionally, the potatoes may not reach a true boil, even on the High setting.
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Boiling potatoes in a microwave
Boiling potatoes is a basic cooking skill that can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, scrub the potatoes clean using a vegetable scrubber. You can either leave the skin on or peel it, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on can help the potatoes hold their shape while boiling. If you are boiling starchy potatoes like Russets, it is better to keep them whole while boiling to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Next, transfer the potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with water. It is recommended to use cold water instead of boiling water, as this helps the potatoes cook evenly, preventing the outside from cooking faster than the inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and poke holes to vent. You can also add a pinch of salt to the water.
Now, place the bowl in the microwave and set the power level to high. Microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes initially and then check if they are done. If they need more time, continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until done. The total cooking time will depend on the size and number of potatoes. For example, a single large potato will need about 5-6 minutes in the microwave, while a batch of potatoes may take about 10 minutes.
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the microwave and drain the water. Let the potatoes cool down for a few minutes before serving. You can also submerge them in an ice bath if the recipe calls for cooled potatoes. And that's it! You now have perfectly boiled potatoes that are tender and ready to be used in your favorite dishes.
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Boiling potatoes in an Instant Pot
First, scrub the potatoes well and poke a few holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting. This step is especially important if you plan to cook the potatoes with the skin on, which is recommended to limit water absorption.
Next, fill the steel insert pot of the Instant Pot with water and place a trivet inside. Place the potatoes on top of the trivet. The amount of water and the size of the pot may vary depending on the number and size of potatoes being cooked. For example, a small pot filled with a large number of potatoes will take longer to reach the desired temperature.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the pressure valve is in the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook or Manual mode and adjust the timer according to the size of the potatoes. For baby or bite-sized potatoes, cook at high pressure for 4 to 5 minutes. Larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, Red, or Russet, may require a longer cooking time of around 12 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 to 10 minutes before performing a quick pressure release. Open the lid carefully and check if the potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork. Well-cooked potatoes should offer no resistance when pierced.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of potatoes used. Additionally, the altitude can also affect the cooking time, as water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes.
By following these steps, you can achieve perfectly boiled potatoes in your Instant Pot, which can then be used in a variety of recipes, such as potato salads, roasted dishes, or mashed potatoes.
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Boiling potatoes on a stovetop
Next, cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, especially if you are cooking a large number of potatoes. Smaller potatoes will cook faster than larger ones. However, if you are boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes, keep them whole to prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Cover the potatoes with an inch or two of cold water in a pot or saucepan. Starting the potatoes in cold water helps them cook more evenly.
Add salt to the water. The amount of salt can vary from a teaspoon to a tablespoon, depending on the volume of water. You can also add other seasonings like black pepper and parsley. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender.
The cooking time will depend on the size and cut of the potatoes. Small or cubed potatoes will typically take about 10 to 20 minutes to boil, while larger, whole potatoes can take between 20 to 40 minutes. You can check if the potatoes are done by poking them with a fork, paring knife, or skewer. If the utensil slides in easily, the potatoes are ready. Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool before proceeding with your desired recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and the desired softness. Small or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 20 minutes, while larger, whole potatoes will take between 20 to 25 minutes.
Yes, it does. Whole potatoes will take longer to cook than cut-up or cubed potatoes. However, if you are making mashed potatoes, it is recommended to keep them whole while boiling to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
It is recommended to use cold water when boiling potatoes. Starting the potatoes in cold water helps them cook more evenly, preventing the outside from cooking faster than the inside.
Yes, it is recommended to add salt to the water when boiling potatoes. Salt will penetrate the potato and add flavour. However, if you skip this step, almost no amount of salt can redeem the already-cooked potatoes.
