What are 'boiling potatoes'?

What are 'boiling potatoes'? - Boiled potatoes near traditional Russian salad

If a recipe calls for 'boiling potatoes', what variety(ies) is it referring to, and why?

Example Recipes:



Best Answer

This most likely means waxy potatoes, typically white or red. In some contexts it might also mean you want small ones so that you can boil and serve them whole, but it doesn't look like that's the case here.

There are two main kinds of potatoes, starchy and waxy. Starchy ones (like russets) cook up fluffy and dry, desirable for things like baked potatoes and fluffy mashed potatoes, but are prone to disintegrating when boiled or mixed into potato salad, and can get waterlogged from over-boiling. Waxy ones (like most red and white potatoes) on the other hand stay relatively firm, making them good for boiling.

So "boiling potatoes" meaning "potatoes for boiling" would indicate waxy potatoes, and that's consistent with the recipes you linked to. For aloo gobi, you want firm ones so they don't fall apart when you mix it all up. For curries and stews, you don't want them to get waterlogged or fall apart. Fries are much easier to handle if they're not falling apart! And two of the recipes even mentioned red and white potatoes.




Pictures about "What are 'boiling potatoes'?"

What are 'boiling potatoes'? - From above of plate with juicy fried meat cutlet served with delicious Russian meat salad and boiled potatoes topped with parsley placed on white table
What are 'boiling potatoes'? - Delicious meat cutlet and boiled potato
What are 'boiling potatoes'? - From above of crop anonymous person with cutleries eating delicious fried cutlet and hot boiled potatoes with parsley garnished with nutritious Russian salad



What are considered boiling potatoes?

What is it? Boiling potatoes are any waxy, low starch potatoes that hold their shape well when boiled. Because of the low starch content inside boiling potatoes, the cells of the flesh adhere to each other and allow the vegetable to stand up to the cooking method.

What does a boiling potato look like?

They are firm textured and keep their shape well when boiled. The skin of this potato is thin, waxy, laden with moisture, and less starchy than other potatoes, making it more suitable for boiling. Some of the best boiling potatoes include the creaming potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Gold.

Is boiling potatoes the same as baking?

A baked potato is more nutrient-dense, providing 6 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. It has about 25 percent more magnesium as a boiled potato. It also contains 40 percent more phosphorus and potassium, as well as four times the amount of folate in a boiled potato.



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