Steaming Spuds: Quick Microwave Potato Perfection

Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to get a tasty, healthy meal on the table. Whether you're steaming baby potatoes, making a jacket potato, or par-boiling before roasting, the microwave is a great option. It's faster than the oven, and because microwaving uses less water, it helps to preserve nutrients and colour.

How to steam baby potatoes in the microwave

Steaming baby potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook them, and it also helps to preserve their nutrients and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

What You'll Need:

• Baby potatoes (also known as new potatoes, mini potatoes, or small potatoes)
• Microwave steamer bowl or basket
• 1 tablespoon of water
• Salt, pepper, rosemary, and parsley (optional)
• Butter or margarine (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of your steamer basket or bowl. This will create steam to cook the potatoes.
• Clean your potatoes and remove any bad bits of skin or dirt.
• Place the potatoes in the steamer bowl. If using, add your desired seasonings and mix well. Then, place the lid on the steamer bowl.
• Load your steamer basket into the microwave. Microwave the potatoes for 6 minutes. Depending on the power of your microwave, you may need to check on them after 4 minutes to ensure they don't overcook.
• Once the timer beeps, do a fork test to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, with little to no resistance when pierced.
• If desired, transfer the potatoes to a microwave-safe serving dish and add a pat of butter or margarine. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds to melt the butter.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don't skip the step of cleaning the potatoes. It's important to remove any dirt or damaged skin before cooking.
• For a classic restaurant-style flavour, season your potatoes with salt, pepper, rosemary, and parsley.
• Always perform a fork test to check the doneness of your baby potatoes. This is the easiest way to ensure they are cooked through.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in the microwave when needed.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly steamed baby potatoes that are both tasty and nutritious!

How to microwave potatoes with an Anyday dish

Microwaving potatoes is a straightforward and fast way to cook this starchy staple. Using an Anyday dish, you can have fully cooked potatoes in just 3-4 minutes. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by rinsing your potatoes. For quicker and more even cooking, it's best to use potatoes of similar sizes. If you're cooking larger potatoes, you can cut them into smaller pieces. For Russet potatoes, cut them in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Place in the Anyday Dish

Place the cleaned, wet potatoes in the Anyday dish. The Anyday dish is designed with a special lid that traps steam, ensuring your potatoes are cooked evenly. Place the lid on the dish with the knob lifted.

Step 3: Microwave

Microwave your potatoes for 6-7 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the size and starch levels of the potatoes. For lower wattage microwaves, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use a fork to pierce the flesh of the potato to check if it is cooked. If the potato is easily pierced and there is no resistance, it is done. If it's still difficult to pierce, return the potatoes to the microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Once your potatoes are cooked, you can serve them in a variety of ways. For a simple side dish, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. For a "baked" potato-style meal, eat them directly with butter, salt, and your choice of toppings. You can also try a cheesy sour cream topping, mix them with sauerkraut and grain mustard for a German-style dish, or mash them with butter, garlic powder, and sour cream.

Tips:

• If you see the lid lifting during cooking, don't worry. This is due to steam building up inside the dish, which is actually helping to cook your potatoes quickly and evenly. If you want to prevent this, you can lower your power level.
• Remember to keep the Anyday dish at least one inch away from the walls of the microwave to avoid any sparks caused by the metal rim coming into contact with the microwave's walls.
• Anyday dishes are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, oven, and freezer, making them versatile and convenient for various cooking needs.

How to par-cook potatoes in the microwave

Par-cooking potatoes in the microwave is a great way to reduce the time it takes to roast or grill them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, get your potatoes ready. You can use any small potatoes, such as baby potatoes, new potatoes, or mini potatoes. Give them a good wash and remove any dirt or bad bits of skin.

Next, you'll need a microwave-safe dish or container. A microwave steamer bowl or a microwave-safe dish with a lid is ideal. Place the potatoes in the dish and add a tablespoon of water if using a steamer bowl. This will create steam and help cook the potatoes evenly. You can also add some seasoning, such as salt, pepper, rosemary, or parsley, to the potatoes and mix well.

Now, it's time to microwave your potatoes. Place the covered dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the size and number of potatoes. For larger potatoes, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time.

After microwaving, do a fork test to check if the potatoes are cooked. Poke the potato with a fork, and if it goes through with little resistance, they are ready. If not, put them back in the microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Once your potatoes are par-cooked, you can transfer them to a larger mixing bowl and add some olive oil, butter, or margarine, along with your favourite herbs and spices. Toss them together to coat the potatoes evenly.

Your par-cooked potatoes are now ready to be roasted or grilled to perfection! This method will significantly reduce the cooking time and keep your potatoes nice and tender.

The benefits of steaming potatoes in the microwave

Steaming potatoes in the microwave is a convenient and quick way to cook this staple food. It is faster than baking potatoes in the oven, which can take up to an hour. Microwaving potatoes can also be a healthier option as it helps to preserve nutrients and flavour.

Preserving Nutrients

Longer cooking methods usually result in higher chances of nutrient loss. By reducing the cooking time, microwaving can help to retain the vitamins and minerals found in potatoes. Steaming potatoes in the microwave also requires less water than boiling, which further prevents nutrient loss.

Retaining Flavour

Microwaving potatoes can also help to retain their flavour. When vegetables are boiled, they can become soggy and bland as the flavour is lost to the water. In contrast, microwaving steams the potatoes from the inside out, helping them to retain their natural flavour.

Quick and Easy

Steaming potatoes in the microwave is a straightforward and speedy process. It can be a convenient option for those short on time or looking for an impromptu lunch or snack. Microwaved potatoes can also be used as a shortcut before air frying or broiling.

Safe and Clean

Microwaving potatoes can also be a safer and cleaner option than other cooking methods. When using the microwave, there is no risk of hot oil splattering, and the steam is contained within the dish. Additionally, the microwave oven itself does not get hot, reducing the risk of burns.

Versatile

Microwaving potatoes offers versatility in terms of the types of potatoes that can be cooked and the dishes that can be prepared. Whether you are cooking baby potatoes, large jacket potatoes, or something in between, the microwave can handle it. Microwaved potatoes can be used as a side dish, added to casseroles or frittatas, or even served as a quick and healthy lunch.

How to clean a microwave after cooking potatoes

Cooking potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. However, it can be messy, and your microwave may need a good clean afterward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your microwave after cooking potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Firstly, gather your cleaning supplies. You will need some lemon, lime, or orange slices, and a few tablespoons of white or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will help to cut through any grease and grime left behind by your microwaved potatoes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place the citrus slices and vinegar into a microwave-safe container, such as a glass or ceramic bowl. Ensure the container is large enough to hold the slices and has a lid or cover.

Step 3: Microwave the Solution

Place the container in the microwave and turn the power on high. Heat the solution for several minutes until the window is steamed up. This process helps to loosen any stubborn food residue and makes it easier to wipe away.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Once the microwave is steamed up, turn it off and let the solution sit inside for about five minutes. This allows the vinegar and citrus steam to work its magic and break down any caked-on food or grease.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Microwave

After five minutes, open the microwave door and use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe down the interior. The steam will have loosened any food residue, making it easier to clean. Pay extra attention to any stubborn areas or splatter marks.

Step 6: Dry and Freshen

Finally, use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down the microwave interior, ensuring no water spots or streaks are left behind. You can also use a mild disinfectant at this stage if desired. Your microwave should now be clean, fresh, and ready for its next use!

Frequently asked questions