Marianne Martinez
Cooking potatoes in a pot on the stove is a basic cooking skill that can be done in a few simple steps. The first step is to prep the potatoes by scrubbing them clean with a vegetable scrubber. You can then cut the potatoes into smaller pieces, leaving the skin on or peeling it, depending on your preference. The next step is to transfer the potatoes to a pot or saucepan and cover them with water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let the potatoes cook until fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of potato, with small or cubed potatoes taking around 10 to 15 minutes, and larger, whole potatoes taking 20 to 25 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and cool them in a colander or by submerging them in an ice bath.
Characteristics of cooking potatoes in a pot on the stove
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of potatoes | Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes |
| Potato preparation | Cut into smaller pieces, halved, cubed, or whole |
| Skin | Can be left on or peeled |
| Water | Covered with an inch of cold water or broth |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and mint |
| Cooking time | 10-25 minutes depending on size and type of potatoes |
| Cooking method | Boiling, steaming, or frying |
| Frying oil temperature | Hot but not smoking |
| Frying oil type | Vegetable oil or olive oil |
| Frying heat | Medium to medium-high |
| Frying duration | 10-20 minutes |
| Frying technique | Use tongs to flip potatoes, ensure even browning |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare potatoes for cooking
Preparing potatoes for cooking is a simple process, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure they turn out just right. Here is a guide on how to prepare potatoes for cooking on the stove:
First, scrub the potatoes clean using a vegetable scrubber to remove any dirt. You can then decide whether to cut the potatoes into smaller pieces or leave them whole, depending on the recipe and your preference. Some recipes, such as potato salad, are better suited for cubed or small potatoes, while other dishes like mashed potatoes can be made with larger, whole potatoes. Leaving the skin on is optional but can help the potatoes hold their shape while boiling.
Next, you'll need a pot or a pan with a lid. If you're boiling the potatoes, transfer them to the pot and cover with water, leaving about an inch of water above the potatoes. You can also add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes; small or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 15 minutes, while larger, whole potatoes will take 20 to 25 minutes.
If you're frying the potatoes, heat up some oil in the pan first. Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and let it get hot but not smoking. You should see a shimmer in the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes to the pan and let them cook for a few minutes before stirring. If you're cooking cubed or small potatoes, make sure they are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly. Cover the pan with a lid to help the potatoes cook through.
For either boiling or frying, you'll know the potatoes are done when you can easily insert a knife or fork into them. Once they're cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool. If you need to cool them quickly, you can submerge them in an ice bath. And that's it! Your potatoes are now prepared and ready to be used in your favourite recipes.
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How to cook potatoes in a pot on the stove
First, wash, cut, peel, and season your potatoes. You can cut the potatoes into cubes, slices, or leave them whole. Leaving the skin on is preferable as it helps the potatoes hold their shape while boiling. If you are cooking whole potatoes, poke holes in them to allow steam to escape.
Next, transfer the potatoes to a pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, which should take around 10-25 minutes depending on their size. Small or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 15 minutes, while larger, whole potatoes will take between 20 to 25 minutes.
Finally, drain the potatoes in a colander and serve them hot. If your recipe calls for cooled potatoes, you can rapidly cool them by submerging them in an ice bath.
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How to get crispy potatoes
To get crispy potatoes, you can use a skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan. A cast-iron skillet is preferable as it heats evenly and fully, and develops a non-stick quality over time. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy potatoes:
First, wash your potatoes. You can peel them if you like, but it is not necessary. Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes or dice them to your desired size. Place the potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water and a teaspoon of salt. Stir the contents and cover the bowl with a plate. Microwave for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the potatoes are mostly softened. You can also boil the potatoes until fork-tender as an alternative to microwaving.
After microwaving or boiling, drain the potatoes and spread them out on a paper towel-lined tray or counter to cool and dry. This step is crucial, as moisture is the enemy of crispiness. You can also pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel.
Next, heat your skillet or pan on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also add a small amount of butter for extra flavour. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the potatoes to the skillet in a single layer, cut-side down. Season with salt and pepper, or your desired spices.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 10 to 20 minutes. The potatoes are ready when they are tender and golden brown on the bottom. For even crispier results, remove the lid towards the end of the cooking time to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy skillet potatoes with fluffy insides and a golden crust. Enjoy them as a side dish or a tasty snack.
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How to check if potatoes are cooked
There are several ways to check if potatoes are cooked. One common method is to use a knife to poke or stab the potato. To do this effectively, use a thin, sharp knife, such as a paring or boning knife, and stab the potato about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through, aligned with its longest axis. Then, lift the knife and gently shake it. If the potato falls off the knife, it is done; if you need to use a spoon or tongs to force the potato off the knife, it needs more time to cook.
Another way to check is to use a fork to poke or stab the potato. This method is often used to test several potatoes at once, as it is less precise than using a knife. If the fork easily slides into the potato, they are likely cooked.
Additionally, when boiling potatoes, you can check if they are done by observing their texture. Whole potatoes are typically considered cooked when they can be easily pierced with a fork or knife, with some resistance. If the potatoes are cut into smaller pieces before boiling, they are likely cooked when they are fork-tender and not mushy.
It is also important to note that the cooking time for potatoes may vary depending on factors such as size, shape, and altitude. Therefore, it is recommended to keep a record of the cooking time and results for a particular type of potato and adjust the cooking time accordingly until the desired level of doneness is achieved.
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How to cool potatoes after cooking
To cook potatoes in a pot on the stove, start by cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly. Next, fill a large pot with water and place it on a stovetop over high heat. Add two tablespoons of kosher salt, baking soda, and potatoes to the water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they can be easily pierced with a knife or fork, which should take around 10 minutes.
Now, to cool the potatoes after cooking, it is recommended to let them cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. This can be done by spreading them out on a plate or tray to allow for quicker cooling. Once they have reached room temperature, transfer them to a refrigerator, where they can be stored for a few days. This process helps to firm up the potatoes, making them easier to handle and chop.
If you plan to fry the potatoes after cooling, it is essential to ensure they are dry before adding them to the hot oil. You can pat them dry with a cloth or paper towel. Additionally, always use cold cooked potatoes for frying, as this helps achieve the desired crispy texture.
When frying the cooled potatoes, heat oil in a pan over medium to high heat. Add the potatoes to the pan and let them cook without stirring for a few minutes to allow them to crisp up. Then, stir or flip the potatoes to cook the other side. Season the potatoes as desired during this process.
By following these steps, you can effectively cool potatoes after cooking and prepare them for further cooking or consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
To cook potatoes in a pot on the stove, 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 smaller pieces, if desired. Then, transfer the potatoes to a pot and cover them with an inch of cold water or broth and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until fork-tender. Small and/or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 15 minutes, while larger potatoes will take 20 to 25 minutes. Finally, drain the potatoes in a colander and serve as desired.
The time it takes to boil potatoes on the stove will depend on the size of the potatoes. Small or cubed potatoes will take about 10 to 15 minutes to boil, while larger, whole potatoes will take between 20 to 25 minutes.
To make crispy potatoes in a pot on the stove, first prepare the potatoes as mentioned above (scrub, peel, and cut into smaller pieces if desired). Then, heat some oil in the pot on medium heat. Add the potatoes and arrange them in a single layer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, which should take about 10 to 20 minutes. Then, uncover the pot and flip each potato with tongs to cook the other side. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the second side is golden brown, which should take another 5 to 10 minutes.
