Steaming Spuds: Perfect Potatoes With A Steam Oven

Cooking potatoes in a steam oven is a great way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Steam cooking is said to bring out the flavour of potatoes, and it's also a healthy option, as it uses no fat and preserves more nutrients. There are several ways to cook potatoes in a steam oven, including steaming before roasting to get a crispy skin, or steaming to make soft, fluffy mash.

Pre-steaming potatoes before roasting

Steaming potatoes before roasting them is a great way to get that perfect combination of fluffy interiors and crunchy outsides. The two-step process is worth the effort!

Firstly, you'll want to peel your potatoes. If you're not going to peel them, you'll need to make sure all your potatoes are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Leaving the skins on protects the flesh from the steam, but if you cut them into even chunks, you'll lose this protection. You'll also need to serve them with the skins on, as peeling hot potatoes can be awkward and hazardous. If you do peel them, use a potato peeler to get the thinnest layer possible, retaining as much flavour as you can.

Next, cut your potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. You want each piece to be roughly 1.5-2 inches in diameter. Place them in a single layer in a stainless steel pan. If you're cooking for a large group, you can steam the potatoes in advance, but they may take a little longer to roast.

Now, pop them in the oven. Set the steam setting to 100°C and leave them for around 30-45 minutes, until they're tender when pierced with a knife. If you're boiling them, this step will only take around 12-15 minutes.

Once they're steamed, drain any water from the potatoes and leave them for a couple of minutes to let any excess moisture evaporate. Dry potatoes are what we're after here, as they'll absorb the oil or fat better and become crunchy rather than leathery.

Now, you can either shake the pan of potatoes, knocking them together to bruise the edges, or lightly squeeze and crush each potato in your hand. This will help create a bigger surface area for the oil or fat to work its magic.

Finally, toss your potatoes in olive oil or duck fat and season with salt. Return them to the oven, this time at 180°C on the convection setting, and roast for 45 minutes to an hour, until they're golden and crisp. Try not to stir or move them too much—you want to give them the chance to form a good crust.

The best potatoes for steaming

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for steaming, there are a few factors to consider, such as the potato variety, size, and texture. Here's a detailed guide to help you select the perfect potatoes for steaming:

Potato Variety:

• Waxy Potatoes: These potatoes have thin skins and a moist, creamy texture. They are known for their ability to hold their shape and are ideal for steaming. Examples include Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, Baby Potatoes, and Fingerlings.
• Floury or Starchy Potatoes: While these potatoes are better suited for baking, mashing, or frying, they can still be steamed. Examples include Russets, Idaho, and Sweet Potatoes.

Potato Size:

Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are small and tend to cook faster when steamed. They are a popular choice for steaming because of their quick cooking time and tender texture.

Potato Texture:

• For steaming, it is generally recommended to use medium to low-starch potatoes. These varieties tend to hold their shape better during steaming and have a creamier texture. Examples include Yukon Golds, Red Bliss, and New Potatoes.
• High-starch potatoes, such as Russets, should be parcooked before steaming to ensure they don't turn too soft.

When preparing potatoes for steaming, it is important to cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Additionally, washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly is essential, especially if you plan to keep the skin on.

In summary, the best potatoes for steaming are waxy, thin-skinned varieties like Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, Baby Potatoes, or Fingerlings. These potatoes have a creamy texture, hold their shape well, and cook evenly. For larger potatoes, cutting them into smaller pieces ensures faster and more consistent steaming.

How to serve steamed potatoes

Cooking potatoes in a steam oven is a great way to prepare them, as it brings out their flavour and keeps them extra tasty and nutritious. Here is a guide on how to serve steamed potatoes, with some tips and tricks to ensure delicious results every time.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of potato. For steaming, low-starch, waxy varieties are best. Some examples include Yukon Golds, red bliss, new potatoes, most fingerlings, and, in the UK, Maris Piper. If you are using a starchy potato, like a Russet, it is recommended to par-cook them before roasting.

Next, prepare the potatoes by peeling them and cutting them into the desired size. For steaming, it is best to cut them into small cubes or slices, around 15mm thick. If you are planning to roast them after steaming, you can cut them into halves or quarters.

Place the potatoes in a perforated steam oven dish or pan. Add a sprinkling of salt to season. If you want to add more flavour, you can also add some olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Now, you can start steaming the potatoes. Set your steam oven to a temperature between 99°C and 100°C, and cook for around 20-45 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your potatoes. Check for doneness after 20 minutes, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool. If you are making a salad, it is important to let the potatoes cool completely before adding any mayonnaise.

Finally, it's time to serve your steamed potatoes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Mix with pesto for a simple yet delicious meal.
• Pan-fry with bacon and onions until golden, then break in a few eggs and season with black pepper.
• Serve with sour cream and ketchup, especially if you have roasted them after steaming.
• For a more indulgent option, make mashed potatoes by mashing the steamed potatoes with butter and milk or cream. Add some chives for extra flavour.

There you have it! A guide on how to serve delicious and nutritious steamed potatoes. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions and creating tasty meals.

How to steam potatoes for a salad

Steaming potatoes is a great way to cook them for a salad, as it helps to retain their flavour and ensures they don't get waterlogged. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed potatoes for your next salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

The first step is to select the right type of potatoes. Waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or Yukon Gold are ideal for potato salad as they hold their shape well during cooking. You can leave the skin on, especially if you're using small, thin-skinned potatoes, as this helps protect the flesh from the steam and adds flavour. However, if you do peel your potatoes, use a potato peeler to remove the skin thinly and evenly. Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.

Step 2: Set Up Your Steamer

If you have a steamer basket, add about one inch of water to a large pot and place the steamer basket inside. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a regular pot with a lid. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, as you don't want the potatoes to be submerged.

Step 3: Steam the Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes in your steamer basket or pot. If using a pot, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. Turn the heat to high and wait for the steam to escape from the lid. Then, reduce the heat to medium. For small potatoes, steam for about 20 minutes, and for larger potatoes, steam for up to 40 minutes. The potatoes are done when a knife can easily slide into the flesh.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the potatoes are tender, transfer them to a bowl. You can season them simply with melted butter, kosher salt, and your choice of fresh or dried herbs. For a more complex flavour, try adding vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, celery, shallots, and scallions. If you're making a cold potato salad, allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature before mixing in the dressing and other ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Potatoes:

• Always start with cold water when steaming potatoes.
• Don't cut the potatoes too small—aim for a minimum of 1/2-inch pieces to prevent them from disintegrating.
• Stay close to the pot and check the potatoes frequently to avoid overcooking.
• If you're using a variety of potatoes, cook them separately to account for different cooking times.

The benefits of steaming potatoes

Steaming is an excellent way to cook potatoes, and it offers several advantages over other cooking methods. Here are some of the key benefits of steaming potatoes:

Retains Nutrients

Potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, B6, and potassium. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain these nutrients, ensuring you get the maximum nutritional benefit from your potatoes.

Even Cooking

Steaming potatoes results in even cooking, ensuring that each potato is cooked through without becoming mushy or overcooked. This even cooking also means that the starches mostly stay within the potato, resulting in a more consistent texture.

Improved Texture

Steaming potatoes yields a soft and even texture, making them ideal for mashing. The starches retained in the potatoes lend a silky smooth and fluffy texture to mashed potatoes, which is harder to achieve with boiled potatoes.

No Added Fat

Steaming is a healthy alternative to frying or roasting, as it requires no added fat or oil. This makes it a lower-calorie option that can be particularly beneficial for those watching their weight or maintaining a healthy diet.

Versatile

Steamed potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from sides to mains. They can be served as-is or incorporated into recipes such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salads.

Easy and Convenient

Steaming potatoes is a straightforward process that often requires little more than placing the potatoes in a steamer or steam oven and setting the timer. This makes it a convenient option for busy cooks or those looking for a simple side dish.

Frequently asked questions