Are you a fan of Indian cooking? Then, you probably already know that boiled potatoes are a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, especially samosa, aloo, paratha, and other curries and snacks.
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In this article, we’ll look at some incredible approaches for boiling potatoes extremely quickly, inspired by Indian cooking.
Cut Potatoes Into Smaller Pieces
Cutting your potatoes into smaller pieces is one of the simplest ways to speed up the boiling process. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly while reducing the amount of time they need to boil.
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To try this, first peel the potatoes, but feel free to leave them on if you want the extra texture and nutrients. Next, chop the potatoes into even pieces so that they cook at the same pace.
Use a Pressure Cooker
The pressure cooker is a staple in Indian kitchens, significantly reduces cooking times, including for potatoes. To boil potatoes: peel and cut them, add water to cover, cook on high until full pressure, then reduce heat and cook for 2-3 whistles.
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Release the pressure, then check for tenderness. This method drastically shortens boiling time, making it popular among Indian home cooks.
Microwave Method
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, a microwave is a quick alternative to boiling potatoes. To do so, wash, peel, and cut potatoes into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water.
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Then cover it and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway. Test with a fork for tenderness, and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.
Start with Hot Water
To reduce the boiling time, start with hot water. First, boil water separately using an electric kettle or pot. Add the prepped potato pieces to the boiling water to jump-start the cooking process.
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Then keep the pot on high heat until the potatoes are tender, typically taking 10-12 minutes for small pieces.
Add Salt to Water
Adding salt to boiling water seasons potatoes and slightly increases the water’s boiling point, helping them cook faster. To do this, prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them.
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Then boil water with a generous amount of salt, add the potatoes to the boiling salted water, and cook until tender. This method ensures quicker, evenly cooked potatoes.
Use a Lid
Covering your pot with a lid traps heat and steam, speeding up the boiling process. To do this, prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them to your preferred size, then boil water in a pot.
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Add the potatoes to the boiling water, and cover the pot with a lid. This helps the water return to a boil faster and cooks the potatoes more evenly.
Parboil and Finish in the Oven
To achieve crispy potatoes, parboil them before baking. Here’s how, prep the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into desired shapes. Then parboil for 5-7 minutes until partially cooked but firm.
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Aterwards, drain and toss in oil and seasonings, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. This method is perfect for roasted or fried potatoes.
Instant Pot Method
To quickly and efficiently boil potatoes using an Instant Pot, prep the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into even pieces. Add the potatoes and enough water to cover them to the Instant Pot.
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Then pressure cook on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on potato size. Perform a quick release of the pressure. Check for tenderness and cook an additional minute if needed. This method saves time and ensures perfectly cooked potatoes.
Steam Instead of Boil
In many cases, steaming potatoes can be faster than boiling them, resulting in a better texture. It can also be quicker. To steam potatoes, peel and chop the potatoes into uniform sized pieces.
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Then put a steaming basket in a saucepan of water that is just a few inches deep. Afterwards, place the potato pieces in the basket, place a lid on the pot, and steam the potatoes for ten to fifteen minutes, or until they are tender.
Boil with Vinegar
Adding a splash of vinegar to boiling water helps potatoes cook faster and maintain their shape. Simply prep the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into even pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of vinegar.
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Then add the potatoes and cook until tender. The vinegar speeds up the cooking process and prevents the potatoes from falling apart.
The End
Potatoes may be rapidly boiled using smart techniques and household appliances. There’s a solution for everyone, whether it’s chopping potatoes into tiny bits or using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
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These time-saving, Indian-inspired tips guarantee properly cooked potatoes, ready for delectable recipes. Try these incredible tips the next time you’re short on time to quickly boil potatoes to perfection. Happy cooking!
