Potatoes are a versatile and beloved dish in many cuisines in India and around the world, from crunchy fries and mashed potatoes to aloo rasedaar, aloo matar and more. However, a common problem when cooking potatoes is that they take time to cook thoroughly. If you’re in a hurry or simply looking for ways to speed up your meal preparation, there are several practical tips to help you cook potatoes faster without compromising flavor or texture. Yes, you can cook your potatoes in half the time and have your meal ready in minutes. Too good to be true? Try these cooking hacks yourself to believe it.
Also read: 7 Crunchy Potato Snacks to Impress Your Guests
Here are 9 ways to cook potatoes faster:
1. Cut the potatoes into small pieces
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce cooking time is to cut your potatoes into smaller pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will cook. For example, instead of boiling whole potatoes, cut them into cubes or wedges. Smaller pieces have more surface area, allowing heat to penetrate faster and making the cooking process faster.
If you’re making mashed potatoes, consider cutting them into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the overall boiling time.
2. Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot
A pressure cooker or Instant Pot can reduce cooking time significantly. These appliances use high pressure to cook food faster, and they work wonders with potatoes. In just a few minutes, you can cook potatoes that otherwise would take 20 to 30 minutes on the stove.
To cook potatoes in a pressure cooker, peel them (if you wish) and cut them into evenly sized pieces. Add a small amount of water (about 1 cup) and cook under pressure for about 5-7 minutes for cut potatoes or 10-12 minutes for whole potatoes, depending on their size. This will result in soft, perfectly cooked potatoes in no time.
3. Microwave them
The microwave is an excellent appliance for speeding up the cooking process. If you’re cooking whole potatoes, prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape, then place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes per potato, checking for doneness. If necessary, turn the potatoes midway through cooking.
For smaller pieces, such as diced potatoes, the microwave can cook them in 3-4 minutes. Simply put them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover them with a damp paper towel, and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Boil in hot water, not cold
When boiling potatoes, always start with hot water instead of cold. Putting the potatoes in cold water and then heating them can increase the cooking time significantly. By starting with the water already boiling, the potatoes will begin cooking immediately, reducing the time it takes to reach a soft, tender texture.
For faster results, use a kettle to boil water before adding it to the pot. This ensures that the cooking process starts immediately, helping your potatoes cook faster.
Also read: 7 heart-warming potato dishes that are a must-make this winter
It is better to boil potatoes in hot water.
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Boil potatoes lightly before roasting or frying them.
If you plan to roast or roast your potatoes, parboiling them (partially parboiling) first can dramatically reduce cooking time. To parboil, add the peeled and chopped potatoes to a pot of boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened but not fully cooked.
Once lightly boiled, drain the potatoes and start roasting or frying them. This will speed up the process significantly, as the potatoes are already partially cooked.
6. Use a shallow pan for roasting
When roasting potatoes, the size and shape of the pan you use can make a big difference in cooking time. Using a shallow pan spreads the potatoes in a single layer, ensuring they cook evenly and faster. Avoid filling the pan too full, as this can trap steam and slow down the roasting process.
Additionally, make sure the pan is preheated before adding the potatoes. The high heat will start cooking them immediately, speeding up the roasting time.
Also Read: 5 Potato-Based Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Ready In Minutes
7. Cover while boiling or steaming
When boiling or steaming potatoes, covering the pot with a lid helps trap steam, creating a high-pressure environment inside the pot that cooks the potatoes more quickly. This reduces cooking time by several minutes, especially compared to cooking with the lid closed.
Additionally, make sure your pot has enough water or steam to prevent burning and sticking. A good rule of thumb is to use enough water to cover the potatoes, allowing steam to circulate and cook them evenly.
8. Choose the right potato for the job
The type of potatoes you use can affect cooking time. Waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes or new potatoes, hold their shape better when cooked, making them ideal for roasting or boiling. Starchy potatoes, such as russet, break down more easily and cook faster when mashed or used in soups, but they take longer to cook when roasted or boiled.
If you’re in a hurry, consider using new potatoes or smaller potatoes, as they cook faster due to their size and waxy texture.
9. Preheat the oven for roasting.
If you’re roasting potatoes, make sure the oven is preheated. Placing the potatoes in a cold oven will increase their cooking time. For a faster roast, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and put the potatoes in immediately. If they are cut into smaller pieces, they will roast in about 25-30 minutes, but if whole, expect closer to 40 minutes.
Whether you’re using a pressure cooker, microwave, or simply cutting them into smaller pieces, these strategies will help you prepare potato dishes in no time, making meal prep easier and quicker. Happy cooking!
