Adding Aromatics
For extra flavor, you can add herbs, spices, and other aromatics to the boiling water. Rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic are just a few of the ingredients that you can use to infuse your potatoes with flavor. Simply add them to the pot with the potatoes and water and let the flavors infuse while the potatoes are cooking.
Timing is Key
Timing is critical when boiling potatoes. Overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes, while undercooking can result in firm, underdone potatoes. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of a potato. If the knife slides in easily, the potatoes are done. If the knife meets resistance, give the potatoes a few more minutes on the stove.
Cooling the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are cooked, it’s important to drain them and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow the potatoes to absorb some of the flavors from the boiling water and will also prevent them from breaking when you’re tossing them in a salad or mashing them. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the potatoes to a bowl and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before using them in your recipe.
One last tip: if all you need is parboiled potatoes, you can use the microwave to do that for you. Poke some holes in the potato with a fork and put them in the microwave for two minutes. After the two minutes are up, flip the potatoes over and heat them for another two minutes. That saves you a lot of time!
Also read: 5 things you can clean with potatoes