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Wash the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt if desired. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, but not falling apart (about 10-15 minutes for medium-sized potatoes).
2. Prepare an Ice Bath
Ice Bath: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare a large bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and cool the potatoes quickly.
3. Peel the Potatoes
Cool the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice bath. Let them sit for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle.
Remove the Skins: Take a potato in your hand and gently rub or pinch the skin. The skin should slide off easily with little effort. You can use your fingers or a paper towel to help remove the skin if necessary.
Benefits of This Method
Time-Saving: This method is much faster than peeling raw potatoes with a peeler.
Minimal Waste: Boiling the potatoes first ensures that you remove only the skin and not the flesh, minimizing waste.
Retains Nutrients: Boiling potatoes with the skin on helps retain more of their nutrients compared to peeling them raw.
Even Cooking: Pre-boiling the potatoes ensures that they cook evenly, making them perfect for mashing, salads, or other recipes.
Additional Tips
Choosing Potatoes: This method works well with all types of potatoes, including russet, Yukon gold, and red potatoes.
Consistent Size: Try to use potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
Storing Peeled Potatoes: If you’re not using the peeled potatoes immediately, store them in cold water to prevent browning.
Conclusion
Peeling potatoes doesn’t have to be a chore. By boiling them first and then using this easy peeling technique, you can save time and effort while enjoying perfectly peeled potatoes. This chef’s trick is a game-changer, making your kitchen prep more efficient and enjoyable. Try it the next time you’re preparing potatoes and see the difference it makes!
