Cooking Little Potatoes to Perfection: A Comprehensive Guide

Little potatoes, also known as baby potatoes or new potatoes, are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking to boil, roast, mash, or grill them, cooking little potatoes can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the right techniques. In this article, we’ll take you through the different methods of cooking little potatoes, including tips and tricks to achieve the perfect result.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Little Potatoes

Before we dive into the cooking methods, it’s essential to choose the right little potatoes for your dish. Here are a few things to consider:

Size: Little potatoes come in various sizes, ranging from 1-2 inches in diameter. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.
Variety: There are several varieties of little potatoes, including red, yellow, and purple. Each variety has a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose the one that suits your recipe.
Freshness: Choose little potatoes that are firm and have no signs of sprouting or green spots.

Boiling Little Potatoes

Boiling is one of the simplest ways to cook little potatoes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). If you prefer to peel your potatoes, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Otherwise, simply wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Place the potatoes in a pot. Fill a large pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help the potatoes cook evenly.
Step 3: Bring to a boil. Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce heat and simmer. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Drain and serve. Drain the potatoes in a colander and serve hot.

Timing is Everything

The key to boiling little potatoes is to cook them until they’re tender but still firm. Overcooking can make the potatoes mushy and unappetizing. Here’s a general guideline for boiling little potatoes:

Roasting Little Potatoes

Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of little potatoes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Wash and cut the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Step 3: Toss with oil and seasoning. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Step 4: Spread on a baking sheet. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Roast in the oven. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown.

Grilling Little Potatoes

Grilling is a great way to add a smoky flavor to little potatoes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Wash and cut the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Step 3: Toss with oil and seasoning. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Step 4: Grill the potatoes. Grill the potatoes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.

Tips for Grilling Little Potatoes

Make sure to oil the grates before grilling the potatoes to prevent them from sticking.
Use a grill basket or foil packet to grill the potatoes if you’re worried about them falling through the grates.
Don’t overcrowd the grill – cook the potatoes in batches if necessary.

Mashing Little Potatoes

Mashing is a great way to enjoy little potatoes as a side dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Boil the potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender, following the steps outlined earlier.
Step 2: Drain and mash. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and your choice of seasonings.
Step 3: Add flavorings. Add grated cheese, diced herbs, or a spoonful of pesto to give the mashed potatoes an extra boost of flavor.

Tips for Mashing Little Potatoes

Use a ricer or food mill to mash the potatoes for a smooth, creamy texture.
Add a splash of milk or cream to the potatoes to make them extra creamy.
Don’t over-mix the potatoes – stop mashing once they’re smooth and creamy.

Other Ways to Cook Little Potatoes

In addition to boiling, roasting, grilling, and mashing, there are many other ways to cook little potatoes. Here are a few ideas:

Pan-frying: Slice the potatoes thinly and pan-fry them in oil until crispy and golden brown.
Steaming: Steam the potatoes until tender, then serve with butter and herbs.
Pureeing: Boil the potatoes until tender, then puree them in a blender or food processor with chicken or vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Cooking little potatoes is a breeze once you know the right techniques. Whether you prefer to boil, roast, grill, or mash them, there are countless ways to enjoy these delicious and versatile potatoes. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a little potato expert. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking those little spuds!

What are the different types of little potatoes suitable for cooking?

There are several types of little potatoes that can be used for cooking, including ‘Nicola’, ‘Charlottes’, ‘Jersey Royals’, and ‘Pentland Javelin’. These varieties are known for their small size, thin skin, and waxy texture, making them ideal for boiling, steaming, or roasting. They can be found in most supermarkets and are available throughout the year.

When choosing little potatoes, look for those that are firm and have no signs of bruising or damage. It’s also important to choose potatoes that are of a similar size so that they cook evenly. You can also grow your own little potatoes at home, but this will require some planning and preparation.

How do I store little potatoes to keep them fresh for longer?

To keep little potatoes fresh for longer, it’s essential to store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. A paper bag or breathable container is ideal, as it allows for airflow and prevents moisture from building up. Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can convert the starches into sugars, making them sweet and unappetizing.

It’s also important to keep little potatoes away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause them to sprout or become green. If you notice any potatoes starting to sprout, it’s best to use them immediately or remove the sprouts to prevent them from becoming toxic. By storing little potatoes properly, you can keep them fresh for several weeks.

What is the best way to wash and peel little potatoes?

To wash little potatoes, gently scrub them under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any stubborn dirt or eyes. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the potatoes to become waterlogged and unappetizing.

To peel little potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin. Start at one end of the potato and work your way around, being careful not to cut too deeply and waste any of the flesh. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on, as it’s rich in fiber and nutrients. Simply scrub the potatoes clean and cook them as desired.

How do I boil little potatoes to perfection?

To boil little potatoes, place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the water and drain off any excess water.

It’s essential to not overcook little potatoes, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into one of the potatoes. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are cooked. If not, continue to cook for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I roast little potatoes in the oven?

Yes, little potatoes can be roasted in the oven to bring out their natural sweetness and add a crispy texture. To roast little potatoes, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the potatoes in half or quarter them, depending on their size, and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown. Shake the pan halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

How do I steam little potatoes without a steamer basket?

To steam little potatoes without a steamer basket, place them in a metal colander or strainer and set it over a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish with a microwave steamer insert. Place the potatoes in the dish, add a tablespoon of water, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Cook on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.

Can I cook little potatoes in a slow cooker?

Yes, little potatoes can be cooked in a slow cooker, making them a great option for a hands-off meal. To cook little potatoes in a slow cooker, place them in the cooker with some chicken or vegetable broth and any desired herbs or spices. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

You can also add other ingredients to the slow cooker, such as garlic, onions, and carrots, to create a hearty and flavorful stew. Simply brown the ingredients in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.