Steaming Baby Potatoes: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Guide

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook potatoes, and it's also incredibly easy. Baby potatoes are perfect for steaming and only take around 10-15 minutes to cook. You can steam potatoes on the hob, in the microwave, or even using aluminium foil. To steam on the hob, simply add water to a pot with a steamer basket, place the potatoes inside, and cover with a lid. For extra flavour, you can add salt, butter, olive oil, and herbs.

Choosing the right potatoes

Variety

While most types of potatoes can be steamed, certain varieties are particularly well-suited for this cooking method. Look for small, waxy potatoes such as baby Yukon Gold, baby red potatoes, or baby yellow potatoes. These varieties have a rich, buttery texture that is ideal for steaming. You can also find potato medleys that offer a mix of yellow, red, and purple potatoes, adding a vibrant touch to your dish.

Size

When it comes to steaming, smaller potatoes are generally preferred. Baby potatoes, as the name suggests, are ideal as they cook more quickly and evenly. Mini potatoes, which are even smaller, will reduce your cooking time even further. If you opt for larger potatoes, keep in mind that you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

Freshness

Always choose firm, unblemished potatoes with smooth, taut skins. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted or have shrivelled skins, as these are signs of age or improper storage. Look for potatoes that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates they are moist and haven't dried out.

Storage

When storing potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Avoid exposing them to sunlight or storing them in the refrigerator, as this can affect their texture and flavour. If you purchase loose potatoes, transfer them to a paper or mesh bag to ensure proper ventilation.

Preparation

Before steaming, give your potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt or chemicals. There is no need to peel the potatoes, as the skins help hold their shape during cooking. However, if you prefer peeled potatoes, use a potato peeler to remove the skins thinly, preserving as much of the flavour as possible.

Preparing the potatoes

Firstly, select the potatoes you want to steam. Baby potatoes are ideal for steaming, and you can use any variety you like. Small waxy potatoes with a buttery, rich texture are a popular choice. You can also opt for a potato medley, which includes a mix of yellow, red, and purple potatoes, adding a vibrant touch to your dish.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, give them a good wash under running water. Use a scrub brush to ensure you remove any dirt or chemicals on the surface. Avoid soaking the potatoes, as this can cause a loss of nutrients. Leaving the skin intact is preferable, as it helps the potatoes retain their shape and flavour during cooking.

If you have a mix of larger and smaller potatoes, consider cutting the larger ones into halves or similar sizes as the smaller ones. This ensures even cooking, as larger pieces may take longer to cook through.

Now, it's time to set up your steaming apparatus. You can use a steamer basket, a metal sieve, or a colander placed inside a pot. Add water to the pot, ensuring it reaches about one inch or a few centimetres up the sides. It's crucial that the water level is below the steamer basket or the bottom of the potatoes. A pinch of salt added to the water can enhance the flavour.

Place the potatoes in the steamer basket, with the larger pieces at the bottom and smaller ones on top. If you're using a plate or rack, simply spread the potatoes out evenly. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam effectively.

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a medium or low setting. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the intensity of the heat, but generally, it should take around 10 to 15 minutes for baby potatoes to steam. Larger potatoes may require up to 20 minutes or more.

To check if your potatoes are ready, pierce them with a fork or knife. If it glides in easily, they're done! Remember to give the potatoes a stir now and then during cooking to prevent browning on the bottom layer. If the pan starts to look dry, add a little more water, about half a cup at a time, until your potatoes are perfectly cooked.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steaming baby potatoes vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the method used. Here are some general guidelines:

• When using a steamer basket, add 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) of water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Place the potatoes in the steamer basket with the largest ones at the bottom and cover the pot with a lid. Cook the potatoes for about 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat. Larger potatoes may take up to 20 minutes or more, while smaller potatoes could be done in less time.
• For cooking in an oven, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender.
• Steaming potatoes in a microwave will take about 5 minutes on high power. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water and cover with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap to allow steam to escape. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
• When steaming potatoes on the stovetop, add enough water to a pot to cover the bottom of the pan. Place a steamer basket or colander in the pot and bring the water to a boil. Put the potatoes in the steamer basket and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender.

It's important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on the stove, oven, or microwave settings, as well as the size and type of potatoes used. Always check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife. If they are soft and tender, they are ready to be served.

Seasoning and serving

The best way to season steamed baby potatoes is to keep it simple. The essentials are butter and parsley, but be sure to salt the potatoes well. You can also add garlic, but this is optional as it brings a strong flavour since the garlic is added after steaming. Other seasoning ideas include Old Bay, fresh herbs (try rosemary, thyme or sage), chives, and Parmesan cheese.

If you want to add a little more flavour to your potatoes, you can toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with salt before steaming. After steaming, you can also add butter, herbs, and a little more salt to the pot and shake and stir everything together.

These potatoes make a great gluten-free weeknight side dish and are also perfect for holidays. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and can be heated up in the microwave.

Storing leftovers

You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If you're reheating on the stove, add a little butter or oil to a pan and fry the potatoes until they're hot. You can also add some herbs for extra flavor.

It's important to note that cooked potatoes are more perishable than raw potatoes and have a high moisture content, so it's best to eat them within a few days. If you notice any spoilage, such as soft or mushy spots, or if they start to smell bad, it's best to discard them.

Additionally, avoid storing potatoes with onions, as onions can cause them to spoil faster due to the gas emitted. It's also best to avoid airtight containers and sealed plastic bags, as these can trap moisture and cause the potatoes to spoil.

Frequently asked questions