Molly Ayala
Steaming is a great way to cook potatoes while retaining their flavour. The process is simple: add water to the bottom of an electric steamer, place the potatoes in the steamer basket, and turn it on. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the desired doneness, but it usually ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. Leaving the skins on protects the flesh from water or steam, which can rob potatoes of their flavour. To check if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork or skewer; if it glides in easily, they're ready to be served!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of water to add | About one inch of water, or two inches if the pot is very large |
| Type of pot | Medium-sized pot with a tight-fitting lid |
| Type of steamer | Steamer basket |
| Potato preparation | Wash potatoes. Leave whole, or cut into evenly-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster. |
| Potato placement | Arrange the largest potatoes at the bottom of the steamer basket, and the smallest potatoes on top |
| Cooking time | 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Check periodically with a fork to see if they are "fork-tender". |
| Seasoning | Salt, butter, herbs, pepper |
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What You'll Learn
Should you peel potatoes before steaming?
Whether or not you peel potatoes before steaming them is a matter of personal preference and depends on the type of potatoes you are using.
Some sources recommend peeling potatoes before steaming, especially if they are main-crop potatoes. If you are steaming potatoes with their skins on, it is ideal to have evenly sized potatoes so that they cook at the same rate. Peeling the potatoes can be hazardous, especially if you are preparing a large serving. However, if you decide to peel the potatoes, it is best to use a potato peeler and pare off the skins thinly to retain the flavour, as most of the flavour is near the skin.
On the other hand, some sources suggest that it is unnecessary to peel potatoes before steaming, as leaving the skins on helps the potatoes retain their shape, texture, and nutrients. It also protects the flesh from the steam, which can make the potatoes lose their flavour.
Regardless of whether you peel the potatoes or not, it is important to wash them thoroughly before steaming to remove any dirt or debris. If you are using a mix of large and small potatoes, it is recommended to cut the larger ones into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
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How much water to use in the electric steamer
When steaming potatoes in an electric steamer, the amount of water you use is crucial to ensure the potatoes are cooked properly. The water level should be just below the steamer body or about one inch from the bottom of the pot.
If you are using an electric steamer with a fan, pour boiling water from the kettle into the pan. Place the potatoes in the steamer, add salt, and put on the lid. Let the potatoes steam over a low heat, maintaining a gentle boil, until they are tender. This usually takes 20-25 minutes for regular-sized potatoes and 15-20 minutes for small new potatoes.
If you are using an electric steamer without a fan, fill the saucepan with water to just below the steamer body, with or without the steamer in the pot. Bring the water to a boil, add the potatoes, and put on the lid. You can reduce the heat slightly, but maintain a full boil. Check the potatoes with a fork, and they are done when they are tender.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, with smaller potatoes cooking faster. For tiny potatoes, check them after 20 minutes, and for big potatoes, check after 30-40 minutes.
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How long to steam potatoes for
The cooking time for steaming potatoes depends on several factors, including the size of the potatoes, the number of potatoes, the size of the pot, and the temperature of the steam.
For small potatoes, the cooking time is generally between 15 and 25 minutes. It's important to note that the smaller the potatoes, the faster they will cook. Therefore, if you're steaming tiny potatoes, they may only need about 15 minutes. On the other hand, larger potatoes can take up to 30 or even 40 minutes to cook thoroughly.
To check if your potatoes are done, you can poke them with a fork or a thin skewer. If the fork or skewer glides in and out easily, that means the potatoes are fork-tender and ready to be served. It's a good idea to check the potatoes periodically, especially after the first 10 minutes of cooking.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the cooking time can be affected by the heat source and the amount of steam generated. A higher temperature and more steam will generally lead to faster cooking times. However, it's important to maintain a full boil by keeping the water boiling throughout the cooking process. You can achieve this by using a tight-fitting lid on your pot or steamer basket.
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How to tell when potatoes are done
The cooking time for potatoes in an electric steamer varies depending on the size of the potatoes and the heat setting. Small potatoes will take around 10-15 minutes to cook, while larger potatoes can take up to 40 minutes.
There are a few key indicators to look out for to tell when steamed potatoes are cooked:
- The potatoes should be tender. This means that they should be soft but not mushy.
- You should be able to easily slide a knife, fork, or thin skewer into the thickest part of the potato without resistance.
- The potatoes should not be hard in the centre. Make sure to check the thickest part of the potato, as this will be the last part to cook through.
- The skin of the potato should be "snappy" without being tough.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the type of electric steamer and the heat setting. It is recommended to check the potatoes periodically during the cooking process to ensure they do not overcook or become too soft. Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the steamer and serve immediately.
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Seasoning and serving steamed potatoes
There are a few different ways to season and serve steamed potatoes. One option is to season them after steaming. For example, you can add melted butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also try adding fresh dill, basil, chives, or ghee. If you're looking for something with a bit more spice, consider adding paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Another option is to season the water that you'll be steaming the potatoes in. Note that this method may not work for all types of seasoning. For example, salt is not a good choice for seasoning the water, but it can be used to season the potatoes after steaming. If you want to season the water, consider using herbs such as mint or garlic. You can also toss garlic in with the potatoes after steaming.
If you want to get creative, you can try marinating the potatoes before steaming them. However, it's not clear how well this method works. If you want to give it a try, increase the marination time to overnight and increase the surface area of the potatoes by cutting them into thick slabs, cutting grooves, or poking holes.
When it comes to serving steamed potatoes, you can simply enjoy them as they are or use them as an ingredient in another dish. Steamed potatoes can be used to make mashed potatoes or potato salad. They can also be served with sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
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Frequently asked questions
The steaming time depends on the size of the potatoes. Smaller potatoes will take around 15-25 minutes, while larger potatoes can take up to 40 minutes.
It is not necessary to peel the potatoes before steaming. Leaving the skin on can help protect the flesh from the steam and add texture to your dish. However, if you are using main-crop potatoes, it is recommended to peel them unless you can ensure they are all evenly sized.
You can check if the potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork or a thin skewer. If it glides in and out easily, they are ready to be served.
You can season steamed potatoes with butter, salt, herbs, and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other seasonings like rosemary, tarragon, basil, or mint.
