Follow these steps to perfectly boil potatoes

Potatoes are one of the indispensable vegetables in the kitchen, and which many people prefer to eat, because of their wonderful taste, in addition to the nutrients they provide to the human body.

But there are some tips to follow when boiling potatoes to get the right texture, and also to choose the ideal types of potatoes for boiling.

Prepare your potatoes
First of all, wash and scrub the potatoes using a brush or your hands to remove dirt, then rinse. If you want, you can peel the potatoes before boiling them. According to experts, leaving the peel on during the boiling process helps retain some of the vitamins and nutrients found in the peel.

​Cut in small pieces
Once you have washed the potatoes, cut them into cubes to speed up the boiling time. If the potatoes are very small in size, then avoid cutting them.

Use large saucepan/cooker
Now, place the potatoes onto a saucepan or pressure cooker. Add enough water, so that the potatoes are completely soaked and then add 1 tsp salt to the water.
Turn the stove on and keep the flame on high and allow the boil to boil. Reduce the flame to medium-low.
Cover the lid and let them boil till they turn soft and tender. If you are using a pressure cooker, wait for 2-3 whistles. You can use a fork to check if potatoes are completely boiled or not.

​Drain and soak in cold water
Use a colander and drain all the water and then soak the potatoes in cold water for some time. This helps in peeling the skin easily. You can cover the boiled potatoes and refrigerate them for up to three days.

How to boil potatoes in a microwave?
All you need to do is wash and scrub the potatoes, cut them into cubes then place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add enough water, and a dash of salt. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe wrap, and make holes in it. Microwave for 5-7 minutes and your potatoes are ready.

​Best potatoes for boiling
According to experts, high starch potatoes are good for boiling, as once boiled, they are ideal for mashing.
Medium starch potatoes like Yellow Finn and Yukon Gold have more moisture and are good for adding to soups and casseroles.
And low starch potatoes, which are often called wax potatoes are perfect for salad and tossing, as they hold the shape better than all other varieties when boiled.

Tips to keep in mind
While boiling potatoes in a cooker, always add a small slice of lemon/lime to avoid the darkening of base and sides of the cooker.