Spuds!

wifeforlife

I swear I am !!!!!! at spuds, I cant boil potatoes at all, I can bake them, I can fry them, I can make lots of little dishes with them but I cant boil potatoes. I have tried lots of different methods thanks to my mum and nan but I still cant boil spuds :embarasse :rolleyes2

Any tips as I love spuds and butter

Cath

ChocClare

What sort of potatoes are you buying? Generic "white" potatoes (cheapo from Tesco) are fine for most things but boil they will not.
Desiree or King Edwards boil better without falling apart, I find.
I cut each potato into two or three depending on the size, put in cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to the boil, turn down the gas and cook for between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on how old the pototoes are and (obviously) how small the chunks are. Test potatoes with a fork to see if they're done. I'm sure your mum and your nan have already told you all of this so sorry if it sounds patronising - not intended, I promise!
I know some people steam potatoes rather than boil them and that does stop them falling apart quite so much but it does take forever...

nearlyrich

I tend to buy small "new" potatoes and cook them in the skin for about 15 to 20 mins.

wifeforlife

Thanks! I buy the baby potatoes too as I cant get them wrong hehe

If I want to make mash though I buy maris pipers from anywhere really

Cath

Kazonline

I find the best way to do 'boiled' spuds is to microwave them.
best if skins are left on, put in a lidded micro container with about 1tbs water and 'zap' for 10 mins. Leave to stand for a few mins and check. They're usually done - if not zap for another couple of mins. Do remember to 'stand' though as they continue to cook for a while.
Kaz x
PS works best if you prep as you would to boil - eg if large halve/quarter so all are roughly same size

kathyd_2

I use Maris Piper ir King Edward for everything EXCEPT plain, boiled potatoes. You need a waxy potato as they are less likely to fall apart when boiled.

brindles01

I peel my spuds then cut them into chunks - not too small as they will go to 'mush' easily. Place them in some cold, slightly salted water, bring them to a boil and then turn down to a gentle simmer for 15 20 mins or when a fork will go into them without resistance. Then drain and mash.

Rikki

Do you try and boil them too quickly maybe? If you boil them to rapidly the outside breaks away and the center stays hard.

I bring mine to the boil and then turn them down quite low and cook for about 15/20 minutes.

My favourite winter potatoes are Wilja. A great all rounder.

catz747

I have some spud questions:

Can a spud be over boiled?
How long does a spud last - e.g. in a spud sack?

kathyd_2

catz747 wrote:

Can a spud be over boiled?

Yes - again depending on the potato used, a floury one will boil away to nothing.

catz747 wrote:

How long does a spud last - e.g. in a spud sack?

A lot longer than keeping them in a plastic bag. Apparantly you should never use potatoes that are green or are sprouting.

wifeforlife

I think I prob am boiling them too quick, I would put them quartered in a saucepan and add boiled water to them, but would simmer them for 15 - 20 mins, I'm going to try all tips as above, I'm actually potato deprived now as I always avoid making them hehe

Thanks everyone, I was so embarressed asking that question

Cath