How to make sure that potatoes are boiled properly?
I once boiled some potatoes of average size, by inserting a fork into them I thought they were boiled properly but cutting them in half, I saw the center is still raw with a lighter color. So how should I know it's enough boiling?
Best Answer
You would probably do best to check the internal temperatures of each and every potato. You can do this with a meat thermometer.
Potatoes are done if tender when pierced with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 210 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
[ Source: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/PotatoBaking.htm ]
(That's 98.8889 degrees Celsius, because I can't read Farenheit.)
Now, baking and boiling are different, and what you are going to end up doing with it or what type of potato you used will have an effect on this. However, you get the general idea. Thermometers will provide the best accuracy for any method of cooking.
If you want to really keep things accurate, you can use the ChefSteps method of selecting potatoes to begin with: http://www.chefsteps.com/activities/finding-perfect-french-fry-potatoes
So all your potatoes have about the same water content.
Then you can cut them all to exactly the same size.
Then you can put them in an immersion circulator/waterbath at 194°F / 90°C, use a special sous-vide bag thermometer to test the internal temperature (it pierces the bag and reseals it on the way out,) and you have the most accurate potatoes ever.
Mmmm, accurate potatoes.
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How Do You Know When potatoes are done boiling?
Cubed spuds will take around 15 minutes where larger chunks or whole new potatoes will be 20-25 minutes. To check when they are done, pierce the potatoes with the tip of a knife to see how much resistance there is. If it goes in easily, you're done!How long should I boil 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.Do boiled potatoes float when done?
You're cooking mashed potatoes on high heat.If you boil them fully, they will be watery and loose, says McAllister. And if you turn them off too soon, they will be raw.Why are my potatoes still hard after boiling?
This means that potatoes will remain hard if they are in a dish that has a lot of acid (for example, a dish you've added wine to). Salt is needed to dissolve these pectin chains. Potatoes cooked in water alone often won't soften.How to Boil Potatoes
More answers regarding how to make sure that potatoes are boiled properly?
Answer 2
A couple of ways:
Physical Resistance Test
Stick a knife in the potato and if you feel any resistance going in or coming out, it's not boiled thoroughly.
Physical Slide Test
Pick one up on a fork and if it can't stay on the fork at all they're done.
Visual Inner Test
Take one of out the boiling water, slice it in half, and see if it's done.
Answer 3
While a fork does well to test potatoes in a pinch, my best results have been to use a thin wooden skewer.
Fork tines tend to be tapered and could yield false positive results.
Wood skewers are of constant diameter (and round, which is a bonus), once you get past the initial taper.
Answer 4
When baking whole potatoes I like to pick one up and squeeze it in my hand. If it ruptures cleanly through the centre then it will be cooked all the way through. Surely this method could be used for boiled potatoes in some fashion or another.
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