How long should I cook sliced russert potatoes for mashing?
I'm making potatoes mousseline tomorrow morning for a 3pm service.
While the recipe doesn't call for it, I want to wash off as much starch as possible to minimize glueyness. I'm planning on soaking overnight, and then rinsing after boiling. In order to maximize surface area for the soak and rinse (and for a faster prep) I plan on using a mandolin to cut the spuds into 1/2" slices.
However I suspect this will change the cooking time since the surface area has also changed.
Any suggestions or educated guesses?
Best Answer
I think you are overthinking this somewhat on the starch front, I don't think that soaking and rinsing overnight, or the mandolin cut will reduce glueyness. It's the choice of potato and how you mash it that makes it gluey or not. If you use a ricer and non-waxy potatoes you should be fine. Just add lots of butter and they'll love it!
Slicing the potatoes thinly will make them cook faster due to the higher surface area, it also removes any room for error - the difference between undercooked and overcooked is all of a minute. Thin slicing can also be a problem for water circulation, leading to the potatoes on the bottom being mush and the top ones being raw, putting them in the pot vertically will prevent this. You are using 1/2 inch slices so you should be fine, but if you go thinner be aware of it. If you are doing thicker slices on a mandolin keep in mind the curvy end pieces will cook faster than the middle cuts. As for how much of a cooking time you'll save I think it may be a couple of minutes over cutting them into quarters, but it's hard to say exactly.
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How long does it take for sliced potatoes to soften?
Fresh Potatoes\u2026 A WHOLE Potato will be ready when fork tender 10-15 minutes. Sliced Potatoes will be done in 5-10 minutes.How long does it take to boil cut russet potatoes?
Boil 10 to 12 minutes for cubed, 15 to 20 for whole medium-sized, or 25 to 30 for whole russets. Check with a fork or knife. Potatoes are done when they are tender enough that a utensil easily slides into the middle.How long does it take to soften russet potatoes?
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Whereas Yukon Golds are considered medium-starch potatoes, russet potatoes are high-starch potatoes. That starchiness leads to mashes that are on the lighter and fluffier side. Unlike Yukon Golds, which produce dense, rich scoops of super creamy mashed potatoes, russets turn out pillowy and soft.You're Doing It All Wrong - How to Make Mashed Potatoes
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Answer 2
Soaking them for around 30-40 minutes in a water bath of 160f/70c helps tremendously This site has another method that works very well but it results in a sweeter end product
http://modernistcuisine.com/2013/04/mastering-creamy-pureed-potatoes-no-fat-required/
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