Boiled Potatoes

Updated: Jul 19

The Art of Perfectly Boiled Potatoes

Here is a recipe for boiled potatoes that I often prepare, and it is always delicious. It is a very simple preparation and you don't need much time. Follow the recipe below for perfectly boiled potatoes that can serve as a delightful side dish or a base for various culinary creations.

Preparation and Instructions

To begin with, select the right type of potatoes. For boiling, waxy varieties such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well after cooking. Starchy potatoes, like Russets, tend to break apart and become fluffy, which isn't always desirable for boiled dishes. Aim for potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking; if you have some larger and smaller ones, consider cutting the larger ones into halves or quarters.

Next, wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. It's important to scrub the skins gently since they can hold onto soil. After washing, you can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Leaving the skins on not only adds texture but also retains more nutrients.Once your potatoes are prepped, place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Adding the potatoes to cold water helps them cook evenly. You should add enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. At this stage, it's also beneficial to add a generous pinch of salt to the water, as this will enhance the flavor of the potatoes during the cooking process.

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. This will allow the potatoes to simmer gently, which is key to achieving the perfect texture. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes, but typically, they should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. To check for doneness, you can pierce a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance.

Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and drain them in a colander. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to let excess steam escape. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the potatoes from becoming waterlogged. If you wish, you can toss them back into the pot over low heat for a minute to dry them out further.

Finally, season your boiled potatoes to taste. A drizzle of olive oil, a pat of butter, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish significantly. You can also add a dash of lemon juice or vinegar for a refreshing twist. Serve the potatoes warm, and enjoy them as a side dish to complement your favorite main course or incorporate them into a salad or mash for a different culinary experience.

Ingredients: simple, total time 30 min. 2 servings

Preparation:

Peel the potato and wash it under running water, clean it of black dots or damaged parts if there are any, the same applies to the green part, if you see it, remove it. Cut it into quarters.
Put the potatoes in a deep medium saucepan, pour enough water to cover the potato parts, stir and leave for 5 minutes.
Then throw away the first water and pour in new water, add salt, put it on a slightly moderate heat and cook for about 23 minutes.
After that, strain it and let it cool.
When you serve the boiled potatoes, put them in a deep bowl, sprinkle with salt, black pepper to taste, add herbs spices if you want (parsley, weed dill), pour over the olive oil, mix the ingredients.
Garnish with chopped parsley.

Buon appetito!

"May your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹

NOTE:

If you are preparing a potato salad, add onion, salt and pepper and a little apple cider vinegar. See the recipe here. It is an ideal side dish for fish. If you are serving only boiled potatoes with another dish, (goulash, steaks with sauce...)garnish it with parsley from above and add a little olive oil and salt to taste.