Steaming secrets: Unlocking potatoes' full potential
Potatoes are the undisputed staple of our cuisine. Most of us cook them by boiling, which seems to be the simplest and most obvious method. However, there is a way to enhance their taste while preserving their nutritional value. It's worth knowing this trick to change your approach to cooking potatoes for good.
Ordinary boiling of potatoes causes them to lose some vitamins and minerals that are soluble in water. Fortunately, this can be avoided by choosing an alternative method of preparation. By doing so, potatoes retain their natural taste and aroma, making them an even better addition to your meal.
The best way to cook potatoes
Instead of boiling potatoes in plenty of water, try steaming them. This method is incredibly simple, and the difference in taste and texture is noticeable from the first bite. Steamed potatoes do not absorb excess water, which keeps them firm, and their natural, slightly sweet taste is more pronounced. Remember that steaming helps preserve more valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Why is steaming better?
Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods, and potatoes are no exception. Unlike traditional boiling in water, the steaming process retains almost all valuable nutrients found in vegetables. During boiling, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fibre often leach into the broth, which we usually discard. Meanwhile, when steaming, potatoes retain not only their flavour but also their nutritional value.
Potatoes prepared this way have an ideal structure – they are firm, don't fall apart, and their slightly sweet, natural taste is more distinct. Unlike traditional boiling, they do not soak up water, making it easier to season them and serve with favourite toppings like butter, fresh herbs, or olive oil.
Another advantage of steaming is that it does not require much fat or salt. As a result, meals prepared this way are lower in calories and easier to digest, which is important not only for those watching their figure but also for children, seniors, and people with sensitive digestive systems.
How to steam potatoes?
Peel the potatoes and cut them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. You can serve the cooked potatoes with a bit of butter and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
