How long to boil potatoes?

hev_2

I always have to allow 40 mins to get potatoes to get soft.

The water is boiling, no salt added, large pan, potatoes cut small.

All the cook books seem to think that it takes a lot less time. Am I doing something wrong?

vivaladiva

That sounds like a long time. I work on the bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes principle. I'm doing other things at the same time, so just tend to keep an eye on them.
I've forgotten on a couple of occasions - the smell of burnt potatoes is not pleasant:rolleyes:.

Lynxette

Do you have a lid on them?

Suesy_Sue

I usually boil them until when stabbed with a fork they feel soft, usually 30 mins (depending on the size) cause I am a bit funny with potatoes, they have to be really cooked for me to be able to eat them.

Skint_Catt

I would guess at mine being 20 mins-ish. I either boil the water in the kettle then get it boiling again in the pan, or boil from cold with the lid on (I can never remember which is the most efficient :rolleyes:) before putting potato in. For mashed potato I cut them up very tiny and they cook really quickly.

celyn90

I steam them and they normally take 1/2 hr or so - I'm dreadful for wandering off and getting distracted, so a pan on the stove for me is a not a good plan! I cut them up smaller (like Skint_Catt does) if I want them to cook any quicker.

Stephen_Leak

As the OP says, most sources seem to say 20 to 25 minutes, but that also seems to actually start when you turn the heat down. The spuds could have already been in the water for quite a time, whilst it comes to the boil. Overall, you could easily be getting on for 40 minutes.

My usual test is to stab one with my paring knife and lift it out of the water. If it slides off the knife, they're done.

hev_2

Any ideas why mine are taking so long? Usually cut up really small. Doesn't seem to make much difference with lid on or off. It still takes around 40 mins from water starting to boil - they have been known to take an hour!

Feel very inadequate if I can't boil potatoes

tanith

If I boiled potatoes for 40 mins all I would be left with is mush... I always bring to the boil then simmer for around 20mins and they are perfectly cooked .. but as someone else said thats with the lid on the pan... New potatoes take about 25 mins ...

Skint_Catt

What potatos are you using?

kippers

Yes i bring to the boil then simmer (with a lid on ) for 20 ish minutes too