Boiled Potatoes
Perfectly tender boiled potatoes, a simple and versatile side dish. They're a fantastic base for salads, mashed potatoes, or can be enjoyed on their own with a bit of butter and salt. Ready in under 30 minutes!
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the potatoes
- a.Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. You can peel them or leave the skin on for more nutrients and fiber. If using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform 2-inch chunks to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
- 2
Start in cold water
- a.Place the prepared potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the salt, then pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 1-2 inches. Starting with cold water is crucial as it helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.
- 3
Bring to a boil, then simmer
- a.Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it's boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle, steady simmer.
- 4
Cook until tender
- a.Let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and type of your potatoes. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark by piercing a potato with the tip of a paring knife or a fork. It is ready when the utensil slides in easily with no resistance.
- 5
Drain and dry the potatoes
- a.Once tender, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. For a fluffier texture, return the drained potatoes to the hot, empty pot and place it back on the warm burner (with the heat turned off) for 1-2 minutes. Gently shake the pot to help evaporate any remaining surface moisture.
- 6
Serve immediately
- a.The potatoes are now ready. Serve them hot, tossed with butter, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and a sprinkle of black pepper, or use them as the base for your favorite potato salad or mashed potatoes recipe.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose the right potato: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or Fingerling hold their shape well, making them ideal for potato salads. Starchy potatoes like Russets are fluffier and better for mashing.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pot. Use a large enough pot to give the potatoes space to cook evenly without bumping into each other too much.
- 3Salt the water generously. It's the only chance you have to season the inside of the potato. The water should taste lightly salty.
- 4Avoid a rapid boil. A hard, rolling boil can cause the outside of the potatoes to cook too quickly and fall apart before the inside is tender.
- 5For extra flavor, add a few whole garlic cloves, a bay leaf, or a sprig of rosemary to the boiling water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbed Potatoes
After draining, toss the hot potatoes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 cup of mixed fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, and dill.
Garlic and Parmesan PotatoesGarlic and Parmesan Potatoes
After the drying step, toss the potatoes with 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Smashed PotatoesSmashed Potatoes
After boiling, place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and rosemary, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte that is crucial for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
A medium potato can provide a significant portion of your daily Vitamin C needs, which is vital for immune function, skin health, and acting as an antioxidant.
Provides Dietary Fiber
When consumed with the skin on, potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Naturally Fat-Free
Plain boiled potatoes are naturally free of fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy component of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boiled potatoes are quite healthy. They are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially when the skin is left on. Boiling is a low-fat cooking method, and they are naturally gluten-free and low in sodium before seasoning.