05-07-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Spud lovers urged to ditch boiling for faster method that seals in flavour
Potatoes have been a beloved staple in Irish kitchens for generations, appearing in everything from hearty stews to fresh salads. While boiling has long been the go-to method for cooking spuds, experts are now urging fans to switch to a quicker, more flavourful way: steaming.
According to cooking experts at Epicurious and Epi Test Kitchen, steaming potatoes not only cuts cooking time in half but also locks in more of their natural flavour. Unlike boiling, which requires waiting for a whole pot of water to come to a boil, steaming only needs a small amount of water, making it faster and more efficient.
Boiling potatoes can take anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes depending on their size, but steaming speeds up the process while preserving essential nutrients and vitamins. Plus, it means less cleanup - no more battling piles of pots and pans in the sink.
Steaming potatoes is simple and requires minimal prep. Peel them thinly and chop into similarly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place the pieces in a steaming basket over boiling water, cover and let the steam work its magic. In about 10 minutes, your potatoes will be tender, flavourful and ready to enjoy.
Serve steamed spuds as a tasty side dish with meat, fish or vegetarian meals, or toss them into salads for a fresh twist. Season them with salt, pepper, olive oil or fresh herbs like chives to suit your taste.
For anyone short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste, steaming is an easy, healthy way to elevate your potato dishes - no special skills needed, just a steamer basket and a little patience.
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