Description
A simple, straightforward recipe for boiling potatoes to perfection. Whether you leave them whole or cut into pieces, this method ensures tender, evenly cooked potatoes ready to be used in a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes (scrubbed and peeled, if desired)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean. Peel them if you prefer, although leaving the skin on works well for certain dishes.
- Cut if desired: If you are chopping, cut larger potatoes into 1 to 2-inch pieces. This helps to cook them evenly and reduces cooking time.
- Boil potatoes: Place the potatoes and salt into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by about 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Simmer gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a rapid simmer. Avoid a full boil to prevent breaking the potatoes apart.
- Check for doneness: Cook cubed potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes, smaller whole potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, and larger whole potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes. They are done when a fork pierces the potatoes easily without resistance.
- Drain and serve: Remove the potatoes from the water using a slotted spoon or drain them in a colander. They are now ready for use in your recipe or to be enjoyed as is.
Notes
- Peeling potatoes is optional, depending on the dish and personal preference.
- Boiling potatoes in salted water enhances their flavor.
- Cutting potatoes into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Use a fork to test doneness to avoid overcooking and mushy potatoes.
