How to Boil Potatoes

Potatoes are packed full of fiber and nutrients, so follow these simple steps to cook them up easily and effortlessly.

Step 1: Select potatoes
Select the type and quantity of potato you enjoy. There are many varieties of potatoes to choose from including red, yellow, and white.

Step 2: Scrub potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly with the brush to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step 3: Remove sprouts
Remove the sprouts, or "eyes," with the knife, as well as any other green areas on the potatoes.

Tip
Cook the potatoes whole, or cut them into quarters or halves. The size of the potatoes or sections determines the length of cooking time and consistent size promotes even cooking.

Step 4: Add water
Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the potatoes by one inch. Cover the pot with a lid, and put it over high heat until the water boils.

Tip
Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes.

Step 5: Boil potatoes
Place the potatoes in the pot, and boil them over high heat until an inserted fork comes out clean. Cooking time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.

Step 6: Drain water
Drain the water from the potatoes through the colander and serve the potatoes plain or with your choice of seasonings and toppings.

Did You Know?
Potato sprouts and the green skin of old, spoiled potatoes are poisonous.

[houndoom]

Potatoes r the most delicious yummy food

[azndude]

I eat potatoes raw, skin on or off. Depends on the time of day.

[simon]

@dafranx Why would you fry them if they are meant to be boiled ?

[bee]

This is up there with How to Boil Water.

[lashemaxej]

why put cold water if you're gonna boil it?

[houndoom]

@bee5120
could be poisonous or not good tasting I guess

[starmoon]

wtf I thought i will give me more "brilliant idea" as they always say, it's just what everybody do already!

[ElizabethMartinez-uidz]

They said old spoiled ones are poisonous

[kurtizzyflush]

The eyes are poisonous? I should have been dead in '77 because my college roomates and I were way too stoned to be poking out the eyes. I call bullshit!