Name: Cook Small Potatoes Perfectly with These Simple Steps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs small potatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (optional); 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 clove garlic (minced (optional)); 1 tbsp minced onion (optional)

If you’re a potato lover, you know small potatoes are a treat. Whether you’re roasting them as a side dish or adding them to your favourite stew, small potatoes are a staple of many recipes. Cooking them to perfection, however, can be a challenge. Don’t worry, here are some simple steps to help you cook small potatoes perfectly every time.

Cook Small Potatoes Perfectly with These Simple Steps | Eat Urban Garden — Cook Small Potatoes Perfectly with These Simple Steps

Why Cook Small Potatoes?

Small potatoes are an excellent choice for a side dish for many reasons. First, they’re easy and quick to cook which makes them perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Second, small potatoes are versatile and can be cooked in many ways such as roasting, boiling, frying, or even grilling. Finally, small potatoes have a delicious texture and flavor that makes them a favorite among many people.

The Benefits of Cooking Small Potatoes

There are many benefits to cooking small potatoes. Here are some of the top reasons:

Quick cooking time: Small potatoes cook faster than bigger potatoes, which is great for when you’re in a hurry.
Easy to handle: Small potatoes are easy to wash, peel, and cut, which makes them a great option for busy cooks.
Perfectly portioned: Small potatoes are an excellent size for portion control. They’re ideal for serving as a side dish to complement any meal.

How to Cook Small Potatoes Perfectly

Now that you know why small potatoes are an excellent choice, it’s time to learn how to cook them perfectly:

To boil small potatoes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Boil for 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and serve.
To roast small potatoes, preheat your oven to 400Â°F. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
To grill small potatoes, toss them in olive oil and seasonings, then skewer them and grill them over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.

Tip: When cooking small potatoes, be sure to choose potatoes that are roughly the same size so they’ll cook evenly.

What Types of Small Potatoes Are Good for Cooking?

If you’re planning to cook small potatoes, choosing the right type is essential to get the best results. We’ve compiled this guide to help you pick the perfect small potato variety for your cooking needs.

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are long and thin, with a waxy texture and a nutty flavor. They hold their shape well when cooked and are perfect for roasting or boiling. You can also slice them and use them in salads or as a side dish.

Baby Dutch Potatoes

Baby Dutch potatoes are small, round, and yellow-skinned with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. They are ideal for boiling, steaming, and roasting. They are also perfect for mashing, making potato salads, or as a side dish.

Small Red Potatoes

Small red potatoes are also known as new potatoes and are ideal for boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling. They are small, round, with thin skin and a creamy texture. They are perfect for salads and stews and can also be mashed.

Should the Skin Be Peeled Off?

If you are wondering whether to peel the skin off your small potatoes or not, the answer is that it depends on your preference and the recipe you are following. The skin of small potatoes is thin and tender, so it is not necessary to peel them off unless you prefer them without skin.

The Benefits of Leaving the Skin On

Leaving the skin on small potatoes can provide numerous benefits, both in terms of taste and nutrition. Here are some of them:

Flavor: The skin of small potatoes contains natural oils that can add a subtle flavor to your dish, especially when roasted or grilled.
Texture: The skin of small potatoes can provide a nice texture contrast to the soft flesh inside, making your dish more interesting to eat.
Nutrition: Small potatoes are a great source of nutrients, and most of them are found in the skin. By leaving the skin on, you can maximize the amount of fiber, potassium, and other nutrients you get from them.

How to prepare small potatoes for cooking?

Small potatoes are not only delicious, but they are also easy to cook. Preparing small potatoes for cooking is a crucial step that you should not miss. Below are different ways on how to prepare small potatoes for cooking.

Washing Small Potatoes

One way to prepare small potatoes for cooking is by washing them thoroughly. Here are the simple steps:

Place the potatoes in a colander and rinse them under cold running water. You can also use a bowl to wash them if you prefer.
Using your fingers, gently rub the skin of each potato to remove any dirt and debris. You can also use a soft-bristled brush if the potatoes are too dirty.
Rinse the potatoes again under cold running water to remove any remaining dirt.
Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Scrubbing Small Potatoes

If your small potatoes are particularly dirty or have tough skins, you can scrub them to prepare them for cooking. Here’s how:

Rinse the potatoes under cold running water to remove any loose dirt.
Using a vegetable brush or sponge, scrub the skin of each potato to remove any remaining dirt or debris. If you don’t have a brush or sponge, you can use a clean, damp cloth.
Rinse the potatoes again under cold running water to remove any remaining dirt.
Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Cutting Small Potatoes

If you want to speed up the cooking time or create a specific type of dish, you can also cut your small potatoes. Here are the steps:

Wash or scrub the potatoes using one of the methods above.
Cut the potatoes into halves, quarters, or cubes, depending on your desired size and shape.
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Boiling Small Potatoes

Boiling small potatoes is a simple and easy way to cook them. Here’s how:

Ingredients	Instructions
Small potatoes	Wash or scrub the potatoes. Place them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes and toss them with butter or oil and your desired seasonings.

Tip: You can also roast, fry, or mash small potatoes based on your preference.

What are some common cooking methods for small potatoes?

Small potatoes are a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways to complement any dish. Here are some of the most popular cooking methods for small potatoes:

Boiling

Boiling small potatoes is a quick and easy method that can be done in just a few minutes. Start by washing the potatoes and cutting them into even pieces. Put them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, which should take around 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes, and they are now ready to be used as a side dish or added to soups and stews.

Baking

Baking small potatoes in the oven is a great way to get crispy exterior and soft interior. Preheat the oven to 400Â°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the potatoes and cut them into even-sized pieces. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once in the middle. You can also add herbs and spices or cheese to the potatoes to make them more flavorful.

Roasting

Roasting small potatoes is another excellent method for getting crispy potatoes with a slightly sweet taste. Preheat the oven to 450Â°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the potatoes and cut them into even pieces. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer, such as rosemary, garlic, or thyme. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Frying

Frying small potatoes will result in a crispy exterior and a soft interior with an addictively savory flavor. Start by washing the potatoes and cutting them into equal-sized pieces. Preheat a frying pan with enough oil to cover the potatoes over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potatoes to the pan, and fry them for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon, and place them on some paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Lastly, sprinkle some salt over the potatoes, and they are ready to serve.

Microwaving

Microwaving is the quickest and easiest method of cooking small potatoes. Wash the potatoes and poke them with a fork a few times. Microwave them for 5-6 minutes on high power until they are soft. The cooking time may vary based on the size of the potatoes, so it’s recommended to check if they are done by poking them with a fork. Use caution while removing them from the microwave as they can be hot.

What spices and herbs go well with small potatoes?

If you’re wondering how to cook small potatoes and give them an extra flavor boost, using spices and herbs can be a great option. Here are some of the best options:

1. Rosemary

One of the most classic spices that can be used with small potatoes is rosemary. Rosemary has a woody and fragrant flavor that perfectly complements the natural taste of small potatoes. You can add fresh rosemary leaves to the potatoes before cooking them or sprinkle some dried rosemary on top after cooking.

2. Thyme

Another popular herb that works well with small potatoes is thyme. Thyme has an earthy taste and an appealing aroma that can enhance the taste of small potatoes. You can add fresh thyme leaves to the potatoes or use dried thyme if you don’t have fresh ones.

3. Garlic

Garlic is also another popular ingredient that can be used to season small potatoes. Garlic provides a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that can blend perfectly with the natural taste of small potatoes. You can use minced garlic cloves or garlic powder to add flavor to the dish.

4. Paprika

Paprika can also be used to spice up small potatoes. Paprika has a slightly sweet but earthy flavor that can add depth to the taste of small potatoes. You can dust some paprika on top of the potatoes after cooking or mix it with other spices before cooking.

5. Parsley

Parsley is another herb that can give small potatoes a fresh and grassy taste. Parsley is usually sprinkled on top of the dish to add color and flavor. You can use fresh or dried parsley depending on your preference.

6. Lemon Juice

You can add a tangy flavor to your small potatoes by using lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon juice can lighten up the taste of the potatoes and give it a zesty flavor. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top of the potatoes after cooking or mix it in with the other spices before cooking.

Happy Cooking!

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on how to cook small potatoes perfectly! We hope that our simple steps have helped you to achieve deliciously tender and flavorful potatoes every time. Remember to visit us again later for more cooking tips and tricks!