How to Cook Potatoes: 6 Basic Methods You Should Master

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Learning how to cook potatoes is one of the most basic cooking skills that every person should know. Potatoes are one of the most common ingredients in kitchen around the world. You can find potatoes in many different dishes all over the world. They appear in soups, salads, side dishes, main courses, and even snacks.

There are many ways to cook potatoes, and each method creates a different result. You can boil them, fry them, bake them, microwave them, steam them, or roast them. The texture and taste change depending on how you prepare them. Each cooking method works well for different recipes and personal preferences.

If you want to learn how to cook potatoes, this is the right place for you. In this article, we will share six ways to cook potatoes, along with some extra tips to help you master these methods at home. Let's get your apron ready and let's start cooking.

Boiling is the simplest way to cook potatoes quickly. This method works well for making mashed potatoes, potato salads, and soups. Boiled potatoes are soft and easy to digest, making them a healthy choice for many meals.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes

- Water

- Salt

- Large pot

- Knife

Steps:

1. Wash your potatoes under clean water and remove any dirt.

2. Cut the potatoes into equal pieces so they cook at the same time.

3. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them completely with cold water.

4. Add salt to the water to help flavor the potatoes while cooking.

5. Put the pot on high heat and wait for the water to boil.

6. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes boil for about 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Test the potatoes with a fork to see if they are soft and cooked all the way through.

8. Drain the water carefully and let the potatoes cool before using them.

Tips for Boiling Potatoes:

- Start with cold water instead of hot water for more even cooking of all potato pieces.

- Add the salt early in the cooking process so the potato absorbs the flavor throughout.

- Use a lid on the pot to bring the water to boil faster and save energy.

- Ice the boiled potatoes immediately if you want them for a cold salad to stop the cooking process.

Frying potatoes creates a crispy outside and soft inside that many people love. This cooking method is popular for making french fries, hash browns, and potato chips. Fried potatoes are a favorite side dish in restaurants and homes everywhere.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes

- Oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut oil)

- Salt and seasoning

- Deep pan or skillet

- Paper towels

Steps:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes if you prefer, or leave the skin on for more nutrients.

2. Cut the potatoes into thin slices or strips, depending on your recipe.

3. Pat the potato pieces dry with a clean cloth to remove extra water.

4. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking.

5. Carefully place the potato pieces into the hot oil in small groups.

6. Let the potatoes cook for 5 to 10 minutes until they become golden brown.

7. Remove the potatoes from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels.

8. Sprinkle salt and other seasonings on the hot potatoes right after frying.

Tips for Frying Potatoes:

- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before frying to remove excess starch and make them crispier.

- Use oil that is the right temperature because oil that is too cool will make potatoes greasy instead of crispy.

- Fry potatoes in smaller batches because adding too many at once lowers the oil temperature.

- Double fry your potatoes by cooking them once at a lower temperature and then again at a higher temperature for extra crispiness.

Baking potatoes is an easy method that requires minimal attention while cooking. Whole potatoes are baked in an oven until the inside becomes soft and fluffy. This technique is perfect for making stuffed potatoes or serving them as a simple side dish with toppings.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes (larger varieties work best)

- Oil

- Salt

- Fork for pricking

- Baking sheet

Steps:

1. Choose large potatoes that are similar in size so they cook at the same speed.

2. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water and scrub the skin clean.

3. Prick the skin of each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

4. Rub the potato skin with a small amount of oil and sprinkle with salt.

5. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and put them in an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes depending on their size.

7. Check if the potatoes are done by inserting a knife or skewer into the center.

8. Remove the baked potatoes from the oven when they feel soft inside and look golden outside.

Tips for Baking Potatoes:

- Wrap baked potatoes in foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to help the skin soften if it is too hard.

- Place a baking sheet below the potatoes to catch any oil that drips during the baking process.

- Use the fork holes to insert a skewer into the thickest part to check if the potato is completely cooked inside.

- Bake potatoes when you are making other oven-cooked foods to save energy and time.

Microwaving is the fastest way to cook potatoes when you are in a hurry. This method uses microwave energy to heat the potato from the inside out. Microwaved potatoes are soft and ready to eat in just minutes instead of hours.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes (medium size works best)

- Microwave-safe plate

- Paper towel

- Fork for pricking

Steps:

1. Choose potatoes that are similar in size and medium in diameter for even cooking.

2. Wash the potatoes under cold water and scrub the skin until it is clean.

3. Use a fork to make several holes in the skin of each potato.

4. Place the potato on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel.

5. Microwave the potato on high power for 5 minutes as a starting point.

6. Check the potato after 5 minutes by inserting a fork into the center.

7. If the potato is not soft, microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes and check again.

8. Let the potato cool for a few minutes before cutting or handling it.

Tips for Microwaving Potatoes:

- Arrange potatoes in a circle on the microwave plate instead of stacking them to ensure even heat distribution.

- Microwave time depends on the size and quantity of potatoes, so check them frequently to avoid overcooking.

- Pierce the skin with a fork many times to create steam escape routes and prevent the potato from exploding.

- Use a paper towel to cover the potato loosely so steam can escape while cooking without drying out the potato.

Steaming potatoes is a healthy cooking method that keeps nutrients in the food while cooking. Steam heat surrounds the potatoes evenly and cooks them gently. Steamed potatoes are great for healthy eating because they do not need added oil or fat.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes (cut into equal pieces)

- Water

- Steamer basket

- Large pot with lid

Steps:

1. Wash the potatoes and cut them into pieces that are the same size as each other.

2. Add water to the bottom of a pot until it just touches the steamer basket when placed inside.

3. Place the steamer basket into the pot and make sure the water does not come up through the holes.

4. Arrange the potato pieces in the steamer basket in a single layer.

5. Put the lid on the pot and turn the heat to high to create steam.

6. Steam the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.

7. Use a fork to check if the potatoes are soft and done cooking.

8. Carefully remove the steamer basket and let the potatoes cool slightly before using them.

Tips for Steaming Potatoes:

- Keep the steamer basket above the water level at all times to avoid boiling the potatoes instead of steaming them.

- Cut potato pieces into uniform sizes and thicknesses so they all finish cooking at exactly the same time.

- Do not overcrowd the steamer basket because potatoes need space around them for steam to circulate evenly.

- Add lemon juice or herbs to the steaming water to infuse subtle flavors into the cooked potatoes.

Roasting potatoes creates a crispy golden exterior and tender inside with caramelized edges. This oven method involves high heat and stirring during cooking. Roasted potatoes are perfect as a side dish that is both healthy and delicious to eat.

Ingredients and Tools:

- Potatoes (cut into chunks)

- Olive oil

- Salt, pepper, and seasoning

- Baking sheet or roasting pan

Steps:

1. Wash the potatoes and cut them into even chunks about 1 to 2 inches in size.

2. Pat the potato chunks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture on the surface.

3. Place the potato chunks in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like and toss everything together.

5. Spread the potato pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.

6. Put the sheet in an oven preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Roast the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring them halfway through cooking.

8. The potatoes are done when the outside is golden brown and the inside is soft.

Tips for Roasting Potatoes:

- Toss potatoes with oil thoroughly so every piece gets coated, which helps them brown evenly and become crispy.

- Do not crowd the potatoes on the baking sheet because they need space to roast instead of steam.

- Stir the potatoes at the halfway point to ensure all sides brown equally and cook evenly.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside of the potato reaches 210 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect doneness.