How To Boil Potatoes

  • December 9, 2009
  • 879 Views
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Potatoes are packed full of fiber and nutrients, so follow these simple steps to cook them up easily and effortlessly.

You Will Need

  • Potatoes
  • A scrub brush
  • A knife
  • A pot with a lid
  • Cold water
  • A fork
  • A colander
  • Seasonings or toppings
  • Salt (optional)
How To Boil Potatoes: Select potatoes

Step 1: Select potatoes

Select the type and quantity of potato you enjoy. There are many varieties of potatoes to choose from including red, yellow, and white.

How To Boil Potatoes: Scrub potatoes

Step 2: Scrub potatoes

Scrub the potatoes thoroughly with the brush to remove any dirt or impurities.

How To Boil Potatoes: Remove sprouts

Step 3: Remove sprouts

Remove the sprouts, or “eyes,” with the knife, as well as any other green areas on the potatoes.

Cook the potatoes whole, or cut them into quarters or halves. The size of the potatoes or sections determines the length of cooking time and consistent size promotes even cooking.

How To Boil Potatoes: Add water

Step 4: Add water

Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the potatoes by one inch. Cover the pot with a lid, and put it over high heat until the water boils.

Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes.

How To Boil Potatoes: Boil potatoes

Step 5: Boil potatoes

Place the potatoes in the pot, and boil them over high heat until an inserted fork comes out clean. Cooking time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.

How To Boil Potatoes: Drain water

Step 6: Drain water

Drain the water from the potatoes through the colander and serve the potatoes plain or with your choice of seasonings and toppings.

Potato sprouts and the green skin of old, spoiled potatoes are poisonous.

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