How To Boil Potatoes (Boiled Potatoes Recipe) (2024)

Perfect boiled potatoes recipe! If you are looking for how to boil potatoes on the stovetop or microwave that are fluffy and delicious in easy, quick steps then you are in the right place. This recipe is simple, and straightforward and you will learn how to cook potatoes as a side dish, to mash, for roasting, for salad, and more.

Boiled Potatoes are probably the simplest side dish to make and they also form the basis for recipes like roast potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes, Parmentier potatoes, andsome other potato dishes.

There are many ways of boiling potatoes including boiling in the microwave, on the stove top, and instant pot boiled potatoes which I already shared the recipe a while ago. Today I will show you how to boil potatoes on the stove to get a perfect outcome.

Boiled Potatoes Recipe

This recipe is simple. You only need 2 ingredients to make boiled potatoes but you have the choice of additional ingredients like butter, parsley, and black pepper to take it up a notch.

I normally boil potatoes with the skin peeled off except in the case of baby potatoes where I cook them skin on. Mary piper potatoes, King Edwards, and are some of the potatoes I use for this recipe as I am in the UK. If you are in the US, Australia, and the rest of the world, you will be familiar with russet potatoes, red potatoes, Idaho, etc. Those ones are great too and this recipe works fine with those ones too.

Should I peel the skin off potatoes before boiling?

Not necessarily. If you are not peeling off the skin before cooking, make sure you wash and remove any dirt from the skin before boiling.

Which potatoes are good for boiling?

Firm and waxy potatoes are best for boiling.

Should I boil whole or cut?

You can do any of the two however cooking times will slightly vary. The bigger the potatoes, the longer the cooking time. Also, make sure the sizes are similar so they cook at the same time. If they are unequal, the smaller ones will cook faster.

Can Potatoes be boiled too long?

Yes. If boiled for too long the potatoes will become mushy and fall apart.

Ingredients

Potatoes

Salt

Butter (optional)

Parsley (Optional)

Black pepper (Optional)

How To Boil Potatoes

Wash the potatoes with a soft sponge or peel off the skin with a potato peeler.

Leave the potatoes whole or cut into chunks however, make sure the sizes are similar so they cook evenly.

Rinse the potatoes and add them into a pot. Add water in the pot to cover the potatoes. The water should be about 2 inches above the potatoes.

Add salt then cover the pot and leave the potatoes to boil for 10-15 minutes depending on the size.

After that time, insert a knife or fork to check if it's done inside. If done, drain the water.

Serve plain or add butter and parsley to the potatoes.

Toss to combine the butter/parsley with potatoes, serve and enjoy.

How To Boil Potatoes In Microwave

Use a soft sponge to wash the potatoes or peel the skin off.

Use a fork to pierce each potato in 3 places if whole or cut into chunks.

Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, add water 2 inches above the potatoes then cover with microwave cover.

Using the high heat setting of the microwave, microwave for 5-minute intervals until it's cooked.

Pierce with a knife to check for doneness, drain water if done, and serve.

How Long To Boil Potatoes

How long to boil potatoes is 15-25 minutes depending on the size. The smaller they are cut, the quicker they cook.

Potatoes are cooked when if you insert a fork, there is no resistance. Be careful not to overcook as they can quickly break apart and become mushy.

What To Serve With

Boiled potatoes make a great side dish and can be paired with many dishes including:

Sauteed vegetables

Scrambled eggs, Omelette

Beef curry, shrimp curry,

Baked chicken wings

Boiled carrots, Boiled chicken drumsticks

How To Store

When you cook ahead or have leftovers, you can safely store. To do so, leave it to cool completely, add it in an airtight bowl or freezer bag, and store it in the fridge where it will last for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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