Boiled potatoes often get overlooked, but they have the potential to be more than just a lackluster side dish. With proper cooking and seasoning, you can have perfectly creamy boiled potatoes infused with the flavors of garlic and butter in just 30 minutes.
The Beauty of Boiled Potatoes
I didn’t appreciate the simplicity of boiled potatoes until my time in Germany. There, I had the opportunity to taste them in various forms. Sometimes they accompanied hearty meat-filled stews, while other times they were served plain after being boiled and peeled.
However, plain boiled potatoes never excited me. I was more accustomed to the rich, cheesy potato dishes my dad made, such as mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, or potatoes au gratin.
Luckily, you can easily transform boring boiled potatoes into a dish that will satisfy your taste buds. All it takes is three simple ingredients: salt, butter, and fresh garlic.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it also offers the following benefits:
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- It’s gluten-free.
- It’s versatile.
- No fancy equipment is required.
- It’s vegetarian.
- You don’t need to peel the potatoes beforehand.
- It’s still delicious when reheated as leftovers.
How to Perfectly Boil Potatoes
To start, gently wash and scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Then, place the potatoes in a large saucepan or pot, ensuring they are covered by at least 2 inches of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water.
Set the pot over high heat. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the potatoes simmer gently. Cook the potatoes until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and the skin starts to split. Remember, the cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes. In the pictures provided, the baby potatoes took about 18 minutes to cook after the water came to a boil.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter. Add olive oil (if desired), fresh garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
If your potatoes are on the larger side or you want more surface area for the garlic butter to penetrate, halve each potato before proceeding.
Put the warm potatoes back into the pot and mix them well with the garlic and butter sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional Additions
Feel free to experiment with these additional ingredients to enhance your boiled potatoes:
- Red chili flakes
- Fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, cilantro, dill, or thyme
- Bacon
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to ensure your boiled potatoes turn out perfectly every time:
- Add the potatoes to a pot of cold water before bringing it to a boil. This helps cook the potatoes evenly and prevents them from being undercooked on the inside while overcooked and mushy on the outside.
- Try to use potatoes of similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid peeling the potatoes before boiling them.
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. Even waxy potatoes can become mushy if boiled for too long. Test their doneness by sliding a paring knife through the center. If it goes through easily, the potatoes are cooked.
Share Your Experience
Have you tried this boiled potatoes recipe? Let me know in the comments below! I always appreciate hearing your thoughts. If you’ve made any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with #theforkedspoon. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen.
