Boiling potatoes is one of the quickest ways to get your spuds out of the bag and onto the plate. Here’s to less time in the kitchen and more time at the table!
Unlike roasting, which can take up to 40 minutes, boiling will have your potatoes ready in 15 minutes.
Just add the potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
You can dress them up as fancy as you like, or simply toss them in some olive oil, add some spices, and you’re ready for dinner.
Why You Should Be Boiling Little Potatoes
Because you don’t have to spend precious minutes of your life peeling Little Potatoes over the sink, then chopping them into different-sized chunks, Little Potatoes are the ideal choice for boiling.
Why Boiling Potatoes?
Boiling is one of the most traditional and straightforward cooking methods for potatoes. It’s efficient, requires minimal equipment, and can be done with almost any type of potato.
Health Benefits of Boiling Potatoes
Did you know that boiling potatoes can also be a healthier option? Boiled potatoes are low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like B6 and C. And unlike frying, boiling doesn’t add any extra oil or fats to your meal.
Keeping the skins on helps to keep in some of the nutrients, and because they’re already evenly sized and ready to drop into the pot straight out of the bag, you don’t have to worry about them cooking at different speeds.
How to Boil Your Little Potatoes
Now let’s get to the main event: boiling the little potatoes.
Boiling Little Potatoes to perfection is so much simpler than you think, and the key is to start with placing both your potatoes and your water in the pot at the same time.
Make sure the water is cold, because it ensures even cooking. Potatoes are denser than most vegetables, so they need a little extra time to heat up. Starting with cold water allows the outsides of the potatoes to cook at the same pace as the insides, so that you don’t end up with boiled potatoes that are crunchy in the center.
Also, you don’t have to deal with the high-stakes game of dropping chunks of potatoes into a roiling sea of boiling water and trying not to splash yourself with water that feels like the equivalent temperature of liquid hot magma. Always a bonus.
The Boiling Process
Water and Salt Ratio
To boil your potato pieces, start by putting them in a pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt for flavor.
Testing for Doneness
Boil the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, then test for doneness. They should be tender but still hold their shape. You can test this by piercing a piece with a fork – if it slides through easily, they’re done!
A Simple Recipe for Boiled Potatoes on the Stove
Get started with this simple recipe for boiled potatoes, ready in 15 minutes!
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs your favorite variety Little Potatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:
- Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Transfer Little Potatoes to a bowl, add olive oil and seasoning, and toss until coated.
- Serve!
How to Level Up Your Boiled Potatoes
One of the beautiful things about boiling your potatoes is that you can add extra panache by sprucing up the water you boil them in—potatoes are a veritable vessel of flavor and Little Potatoes’ velvety texture make any additional ingredients even more satisfying.
You can add things like:
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh tarragon
- Black pepper
- Bay leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh dill
- Chopped onion
And if you’re feeling really fancy and want to make a decadent mash, you can go all out with boiling them in a chicken or vegetable broth with a little bit of butter to make them extra rich and creamy.
Some Recipes for Boiled Potatoes to Get you Started
Now that you’re a certified professional in boiling your potatoes, here are a few of our favorite, easy recipes to get you started.
Serving Suggestions
Boiled potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with almost anything.
For Breakfast
Try serving your boiled potatoes with some scrambled eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.
For Dinner
Boiled potatoes are a classic side dish for grilled meat or fish. You could also toss them in a salad for something lighter.
Boiled Cilantro Lime Potatoes
One of our most popular recipes of all time—and it’s easy to see why. Elevate simple boiled potatoes by tossing them in pesto and adding some fresh cilantro.
Jalapeño, Cheddar, and Chili Powder Mashed Potatoes
Heat up your standard mashed potato recipe by adding in some jalapeño and chili powder spices, plus what’s not to love about extra cheddar?
Buttered Dill Potatoes
With only five ingredients, this simple side dish is a perfect compliment to any main dinner dish. You can never go wrong with butter, dill, and salt.
Mixed Green Salad with Garlic Dijon Dressing
Fresh dill, sliced radishes, and tender Little potatoes add a burst of color and flavor to your standard salad fare. Top with a simple garlic dijon dressing and your favorite protein for a quick lunch.
Easy Boiled Potatoes
The name says it all—this is as simple as it gets. Simply boil, season, and serve!
And in case you still have questions – we have them covered in the section below:
FAQs about boiling little potatoes
1. Can I boil potatoes with the skin on?
Yes, you can! In fact, boiling potatoes with the skin on can help to retain more nutrients.
2. How much salt should I add to the boiling water?
As a general rule, use about one teaspoon of salt per quart of water.
In case you want to know more about salt and potatoes love
3. What happens if you over boil?
Over-boiling your potatoes will make them mushy and lose their shape. It’s not a disaster, but it’s best to avoid it if you can!
4. What can I do with leftover boiled potatoes?
Leftover boiled potatoes can be used in many dishes, from potato salads to potato pancakes or even in soups.
We choose one of our leftover boiled potatoes recipes for you. Give it a try and let us know!
Boil up some extra Little Potatoes for this recipe the night before and make this delicious and easy dish the next day!
5. Can I boil potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil potatoes in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in the fridge.
6. Can I boil potatoes in a microwave?
Yes, you can. And we have an easy instruction for you in this artice: MICROWAVE 101: HOW TO COOK POTATOES IN THE MICROWAVE
Boiling little potatoes is a simple yet effective way to prepare a versatile and nutritious side dish. The key is to monitor their doneness closely and to add your favorite flavors to make them your own.
