Learn How to Boil Potatoes of all sizes, quickly and easily. Use them in mashed potatoes, potato salads, scrambled eggs, and and burritos. Or, enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings. You can do a lot with the humble potato!
Potatoes are an economical, nutritious side dish for any meal of the day. Boiled, baked, roasted, fried, mashed, scalloped, they’re all delicious! I never met a way with a potato I didn’t love.
Boiled potatoes are the basis of many potato side dish recipes. And even if recipes don’t call for it, sometimes the recipe is quick and tastier if you boil the potatoes first, anyway.
Start with cold water and salt (so the potato gains flavor as it cooks). And whatever size or type of potato you’re boiling, you’ll want everything to be of a similar size so they cook evenly. For large potatoes like russets, I like to chop them first. Peeling is optional depending on your goals, and some people prefer to peel after boiling.
Boiled Potatoes Time Guide Peeled, cubed potatoes cut into small, one-inch pieces should cook in 10 to 12 minutes, once the water reaches a boil. Larger pieces (about 2 inches across) may need longer, around 15 minutes. Medium whole potatoes should boil 20 minutes before they’ll be tender.
All the mashed potatoes
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: 1 pound of potatoes will make about 4 side-dish servings. You can double the recipe without having to increase your cooking time so long as the pieces are approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches in size.
- Storage: Store leftover boiled potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (cool completely before chilling and never wrap in foil). Chop up leftovers and add to scrambled eggs and burritos or as a thickener in soups and stews.
- Make ahead: Peel and cube the raw potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with water and chill in the refrigerator.
- Doneness: Ready to go when they potatoes are tender and a fork (or tip of a sharp knife) can be slipped into the center with very little resistance,
- Par-boiling: Pre-boiled potatoes (especially snappy fingerling potatoes) can be roasted later with a little olive oil and salt or pan-fried in a skillet with butter or rendered bacon fat.
Always start potatoes in cold water, turn on the heat, and bring them to boil. Adding potatoes to already-boiling water can cause a reaction with the starch and result in a mealy potato. Here is a rule to remember: If it grows below the ground, start it in cold water. If it grows above the ground, add it to boiling water.
It will take between 10 and 25 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes or chunks that you are boiling. Always start with cold water to cover the potatoes.
The quantity of potatoes in a pound always depends on the size of your potatoes, but in general, 1 pound of potatoes 1 large potato, 2 to 3 medium potatoes, 3 small potatoes, or 8 to 10 baby potatoes.
1 pound of potatoes is about 3 ½ cups chopped potatoes.
Tips for Frying Potatoes⎢Martha Stewart’s Cooking School
FAQ
How do you soften sliced potatoes?
How do you soften diced potatoes?
Do potatoes cook faster when cut?
How long does it take for potatoes to get soft after putting them in a crockpot cooking on low?
How long does it take to soften potatoes?
The time it takes to soften potatoes depends on the size and shape of the potato. Smaller one-inch cubes will take approximately 10 to 12 minutes to become tender when boiled, while larger pieces measuring around 2 inches across may require around 15 minutes. Medium whole potatoes will typically take around 20 minutes to cook until they are soft.
How can I lose weight fast by eating potatoes?
There is no evidence to suggest that potatoes are a magical weight-loss food. In fact, potatoes are a high-carbohydrate food that can actually cause weight gain if consumed in excess. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to focus on eating a variety of healthy foods from all food groups, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A registered dietitian can help you create a well-rounded diet plan that fits your individual needs and goals.
How do you soften whole potatoes?
An alternative and quick way to soften whole potatoes is by steaming them. First, scrub the potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Then, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until a fork easily pierces through the flesh.
Do potatoes soften if you cook them too long?
If the cell walls cannot break down, the potato won’t soften much. So if you’re adding potatoes to stews and soups that contain acidic ingredients like lemon juice or tomatoes, they’ll barely cook no matter how long you cook the dish for. Any ingredient that is vinegar-based or fermented like sauerkraut will have the same effect.