should i soak my potatoes before making soup

Whether you prefer them roasted, mashed, baked or fried, potatoes are one of the most universally beloved vegetables. But preparing the spud is far less enjoyable than eating it. Many recipes call for peeling and dicing potatoes, which can be time consuming—especially when youre cooking for a crowd. To save time in the kitchen, get this step out of the way ahead of time by peeling and cutting raw potatoes—then soaking the potatoes in water to prevent them from browning.

Fill the bowl with cold water, enough to cover the potatoes. Notice how grainy and starchy and cloudy the water is. That would normally be your soup, we don’t want that! Let soak for only a few minutes, then empty the water and rinse the potatoes.

Types of Potatoes to Soak

Waxy potatoes, like white and Yukon gold, hold up better in water than non-waxy ones. “This is because they have less starch and more moisture and will take on less water while being stored,” says Tracey Brigman, EdD, MS, RDN, LD, a clinical associate professor and associate director for National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. “Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours.”

Can You Peel and Cut Potatoes Ahead of Time?

While it is safe to peel and slice potatoes ahead of time, you need to take one additional step in order to prevent oxidation. “Placing [peeled and cut] potatoes in water helps prevent oxidation, which turns their exposed flesh brown,” says Ronna Welsh, the author of The Nimble Cook and the owner and chef instructor at Purple Kale Kitchenworks in Brooklyn, N.Y. While oxidation wont make the potatoes unsafe to eat, it does change their flavor.

How to Make Potato Soup

FAQ

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