Steaming Potatoes: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Steaming potatoes is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this versatile vegetable. Whether you're using a steamer basket, aluminium foil, or a microwave, you can have perfectly cooked spuds in under 30 minutes.

Wash potatoes thoroughly

To cook potatoes in a steamer, you'll first want to wash your potatoes thoroughly. Here are some tips on how to do that effectively:

Use a scrub brush: Under running water, use a scrub brush to vigorously scrub the outsides of the potatoes. This will help to remove any dirt or chemicals on the skin. You can also use a vegetable brush or a clean, sturdy kitchen brush.

Avoid soaking: It's best not to soak the potatoes, as this can cause them to lose some of their nutrients. A good scrub with a brush and water will be sufficient to clean them.

Keep the skin on: There's no need to peel the potatoes before steaming. In fact, leaving the skin on will help the potatoes hold their shape once they start to soften during cooking.

Dry before storing: After washing, make sure to dry your potatoes thoroughly before storing them. This will help extend their shelf life.

Choose the right potatoes: While you can steam any size or type of potato, smaller potatoes tend to work best and will cook more quickly. Look for baby potatoes, new potatoes, or small waxy potatoes with thin skins.

Now that your potatoes are washed and ready to go, you can move on to the next step of steaming them to perfection!

Use a steamer basket

To cook potatoes in a steamer basket, start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. You don't need to peel the potatoes, but giving them a good scrub with a brush and water will remove any dirt or chemicals.

Next, fill a pot with around one inch of water and place your steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil. Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, with the largest potatoes at the bottom and the smaller ones on top. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium.

Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. If you are using larger potatoes, they may take up to 25-40 minutes to cook. Once they are cooked to your liking, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and add your desired seasonings.

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Once the water in the pot starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and place the steamer basket with the potatoes over the water. Cover the pot with a lid and let the potatoes steam for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, so check them after 10 minutes by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes through easily, they are done. If not, let them steam for a few more minutes.

If you are cooking the potatoes in a microwave, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with water and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Cook the potatoes for 5 minutes, checking them every 1-2 minutes, until they are crisp yet easily pierced with a fork.

Season with herbs

Now for the fun part: seasoning your steamed potatoes with herbs! Fresh or dried herbs will work, and you can use whatever you love. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dill, Basil, and Chives

Dill, basil, and chives are a delightful trio of herbs that will add a fresh and tangy flavour to your steamed potatoes. This combination is perfect for those who want a light and summery dish.

Rosemary and Thyme

For a more earthy and aromatic flavour, try rosemary and thyme. These herbs complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes and add a beautiful fragrance to your dish.

Parsley

If you're looking for a classic herb to enhance your potatoes, parsley is a great choice. It has a bright, fresh flavour that pairs perfectly with the buttery taste of steamed potatoes.

Sage

Sage has a unique, savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness that can elevate your steamed potatoes. It goes well with other herbs like rosemary and thyme, or you can use it on its own for a more subtle flavour.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful ingredient that can add a forward flavour to your potatoes. If you're a garlic lover, minced garlic or garlic powder can take your dish to the next level.

Red Pepper Flakes

For a spicy kick, red pepper flakes are a great addition. They provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the potatoes and add a pop of colour to your dish.

When seasoning your steamed potatoes with herbs, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also adjust the amount of herbs used according to your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of discovering your favourite herb combinations!

Serve hot, warm or cold

Steamed potatoes can be served hot, warm, or cold. If serving hot, transfer the potatoes to a bowl and add your desired seasonings and toppings. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter, and the steam will help carry the flavours.

If serving warm, allow the potatoes to cool slightly before adding your desired toppings. This will ensure the toppings do not melt or wilt, and the flavours will be more subtle.

If serving cold, allow the potatoes to cool completely before adding your desired toppings and seasonings. This will allow you to cut the potatoes into smaller pieces if desired and will create a more refreshing dish.

No matter the temperature, always ensure your potatoes are fork-tender before serving. This will ensure they are cooked properly and provide the best texture and flavour.

Additionally, if you are planning to serve the potatoes at a later time, it is best to add butter or another fatty topping while they are still hot. This will ensure the fat melts properly and coats the potatoes evenly.

Finally, get creative with your toppings and seasonings! While butter, salt, and pepper are classic choices, you can also experiment with herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, basil, or mint, or spices like garlic powder and red pepper flakes.

Frequently asked questions