Potatoes are a staple on British dinner tables, but boiling them can be time-consuming. Now, food experts have shared a quicker, healthier and more flavourful cooking method
Potatoes, a staple in British households, are loved for their versatility – from creamy mash to crispy roasties, they’re the ultimate comfort food. However, one common gripe is that they take an age to cook. Now, culinary experts are encouraging Brits to abandon the traditional boiling method for a quicker, healthier alternative that also enhances the flavour.
Culinary expert at Epicurious and the Epi Test Kitchen suggest that steaming is not only quicker than boiling, but it also preserves the potatoes’ natural taste and nutrients. Boiling a full pot of water for potatoes can take up to 25 minutes depending on the size of the spuds, whereas steaming requires only a small amount of water and accomplishes the task in nearly half the time.
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The website clarifies that the speed advantage comes from needing only a small volume of water to create steam, rather than waiting for a whole pot to boil.
But the advantages extend beyond saving time. Steaming doesn’t require cooking oils, making it a healthier choice, and it creates far less mess in the kitchen.
With just a pot and a steaming basket required, clean-up is minimal, a massive plus for anyone juggling a busy schedule or trying to minimise time spent at the sink.
Potatoes should be peeled as thinly as possible, or left unpeeled, depending on preference, and cut into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Once the pot’s water is bubbling away, the spuds are nestled in a steamer basket and left to cook for roughly ten minutes until they’re tender, reports the Express. Afterwards, they can be seasoned with salt, pepper, herbs, or a splash of oil, and served solo or as part of a larger meal.
Steamed potatoes are incredibly adaptable and go well with a range of meals, from barbecued meats and fish to vegetarian dishes. They also make a cracking base for potato salads or can simply be savoured with a sprinkle of chives for a light and scrumptious side.
In the end, opting for steaming provides a way to relish one of Britain’s most cherished ingredients in less time, with more flavour and less bother.