How long to boil potatoes

Learn how long to boil potatoes and much more in this step-by-step guide. Whether you need them for a potato salad or as a side dish, I'll teach you how to get them perfectly cooked every time.

Cooking potatoes is not difficult, yet I regularly get questions about it. That's why I share my tips so you can put the perfect potatoes on the table every time.

Boiled potatoes are a staple side dish in today's diet. ?????

How many potatoes do I need?

Of course, how many potatoes you need depends on whether they are big eaters and whether you cook for adults. I take about 300 grams (4 large potatoes) for adults and 150 grams (2 potatoes) for children.

How long does it take to boil potatoes?

It sounds so easy. Just peel the potatoes, put them in a pan with water and let them cook until they are tender, but for the very best potatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The amount of water you set the potatoes with can vary.

How long potatoes should cook depends on how big you cut the potatoes. A medium-sized potato will cook once the water boils in about 20 minutes.

Prick your potato with a fork or knife to see if it is done. You know the potatoes are cooked when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

You can put them back on the stove to dry after draining them. Put the potatoes back in the pan on low heat for a few more minutes. Shake them occasionally to prevent them from burning.

Floury or waxy potatoes

There are many different types that you divide into two categories floury and waxy potatoes. For best results, let the type of potato you use depend on the dish you want to make.

When to use floury potatoes

Floury or floury potatoes absorb more moisture and fall apart faster after cooking. This makes them perfect for making mashed potatoes or stamppot.

• Baked potatoes - just for the extra starch, I prefer to use crumbly potatoes when I bake them. The loose potato particles combine with the butter to create a delicious crispy coating.
• Mashed potatoes - It is best to use this type of potato for a velvety soft mashed potato. For a lactose-free or vegan side, you should check out my almond milk mashed potatoes recipe!
• Roast - puffed potatoes from the BBQ are best when you use crumbly potatoes.
• French fries - whether you call them fries or French fries, the most delicious ones are made with crumbly potatoes.

When to use waxy potatoes

Because waxy potatoes hold their shape better, it is best to use this variety when cutting them into smaller pieces.

• Baked potatoes - baked potatoes can be made of any kind. If you prefer them to be a little firmer, it is best to use firm-boiling potatoes.
• With meat and vegetables. Potatoes are amazing next to stews like braised beef or hachee.
• Salads - waxy potatoes are perfect for my recipe for German potato salad!
• Oven dishes - because they absorb less moisture, they hold their shape well in a casserole like au gratin potatoes.
• As a base for hutspot or colcannon

Equipment

• Cooking pan - You need a large pot with a lid.
• Colander - to drain the potatoes, it's handy to have a colander.
• Potato peeler and a cutting board - I always use a small knife for peeling, but a potato peeler can also be used.
• Mixing bowl - potatoes are best washed after peeling and kept under water. I actually always do this in the pan I cook them in, but a mixing bowl will do as well.

Storage

Cooked potatoes stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three days. Cover them well to prevent them from drying out.

To warm them up, you can cut them into slices, fry them in butter, or put them in the microwave until warm.

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