Never boil potatoes like this: how to cook the vegetable the right way

Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, and they are the basis for many dishes. Cooking it seems extremely simple, but even this dish has its own peculiarities that will help preserve the taste, texture, and benefits of the product. Often people make the mistake of putting potatoes in water of wrong temperature, which can cause the vegetable to lose its vitamins or remain undercooked.

The FoodOboz editorial team will help you figure out what water temperature is best for cooking this simple but important product. Knowing a few important rules will help you avoid problems and get the perfect result.

Cold or hot water: what's the difference?

Many housewives are accustomed to putting peeled potatoes in cold water and then putting the pot on the stove. But this is a common mistake. If you put the vegetable in hot water, you will be able to retain more nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and vitamins B, A, and C.

In cold water, potatoes heat up gradually, which contributes to the loss of nutrients.

How to cook potatoes correctly

1. Peel the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any excess starch.

2. Boil water in a saucepan and add a little salt. The salt not only adds flavor, but also helps the potatoes keep their shape while cooking.

3. Dip the tubers in boiling water. Then the upper layers of the vegetable will be under less impact.

4. Cook the potatoes over medium heat. High heat can cause the potatoes to be cooked only on the outside, so they will still be raw on the inside. Usually, the cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes, but 15-20 minutes will be enough for medium-sized pieces.

How to check the vegetable for doneness

Pierce the potato with a fork or knife. If it goes in easily, the vegetable is ready. It is important not to overcook the potatoes so that they do not fall apart.

Summarizing the mistakes to avoid

• Do not put the potatoes in cold water if you want to preserve their nutritional benefits.
• Do not cook the vegetable over too high a heat to avoid uneven cooking.
• Do not leave the potatoes in the water after cooking - this leads to softening and loss of texture.