Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Steaming them is a healthy and efficient way to cook potatoes, as it preserves their nutrients and natural flavor. In this article, we will discuss how to cook potatoes in an electric steamer.
Types of Potatoes to Choose From
There are several types of potatoes to choose from, but not all are suitable for steaming. Some common types of potatoes include Russet, Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, and Fingerling.
Russet potatoes are best for baking or mashing due to their high starch content. Yukon Gold and Red Bliss potatoes have a creamier texture and work well in salads or roasted dishes. Fingerling potatoes are small in size and work well when boiled or roasted.
When selecting your potato variety, consider what dish you plan to make with them. Different potato varieties can affect the texture and taste of your final dish.
Preparing Potatoes for Steaming
Before steaming your potatoes, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly. Scrub the skin with a brush under cold running water until any dirt has been removed. If using organic potatoes, you may want to leave the skin on since it contains additional nutrients.
Once your potatoes have been cleaned, peel them if desired. You can also cut them into different shapes depending on the dish you plan to make – sliced rounds for scalloped potatoes or chunky cubes for roasted dishes.
Using an Electric Steamer
An electric steamer is an effective way to cook your potatoes as it allows you to avoid using any oil or fat that would otherwise be necessary when frying them. Electric steamers range from simple models with one basket level to more advanced multi-layer baskets where multiple foods can be cooked at once (such as rice).
Firstly make sure that the machine is filled with enough water; there should be enough so that vegetables rest above the surface of the water. When you put potatoes into the steamer basket stack them in as neatly as you can to ensure that each gets an equal amount of heat, it’s also a good idea to poke some holes on each potato with fork or knife for even cooking.
Cooking Time & Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for your potatoes will depend on several factors, including their size and type, desired doneness, and how much water is in your electric steamer. Roughly speaking though most meduim sized potatoes require around 20 minutes of steaming at full temperature. However, you should monitor your cooking closely after 10 minutes by pricking it with a fork as this evaulates if they are cooked through.
If you prefer more tender potatoes then cut the pieces smaller or steam them longer, if more texture is preferred then a shorter cooking time would suffice.
Recipe Ideas: What You Can Make with Steamed Potatoes
Steamed potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes depending upon their level of softness or “doneness.” These include mashed potato which requires very soft chunks either milky/buttery or smoth puree according to liking. Cubed steamed potatoes tossed with cheese herbs and spices make great hash browns when fried.
Roasted potatoes are another crowd-pleaser – oven-baked until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside while still being fluffy on the inside.
Potato salad can be made using this method too. Steam chunky cubes until they’re soft enough but still not falling apart since this texture ensures they retain shape when mixed into a creamy mayonnaise sauce using acidic ingredients like mustard Or lemon which adds tanginess to balance the flavours well.
Flavoring Options
Adding flavoring options allows you to customize dishes further while enhancing their taste profiles. Some suggested flavorings for steamed potatoes include garlic cloves placed on top before steaming (for a more savory taste), salt, black pepper, or various herbs like thyme, rosemary or basil.
Cumin powder can also be used to infuse the potatoes with a slightly oriental taste. The seasoning will depend on what dish you plan to make and your own personal preferences.
Conclusion
Cooking potatoes in an electric steamer is a healthy and efficient way to prepare your spuds while maintaining their natural flavor. It’s also easy to use, making meal prep less of a chore. With this article you have learned different ways of cooking with potatoes; from salads and mash through to roasted dishes including other flavouring options along the way! Do give it a try so that you can impress your family and friends with delicious dishes made using steamed potatoes.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use any type of potatoes in an electric steamer?
Yes, you can use any type of potatoes in an electric steamer. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type and size of the potato.
Q2: How long does it take to cook potatoes in an electric steamer?
The cooking time for potatoes in an electric steamer will depend on the size and quantity of your potatoes. As a general rule, it will take around 20-30 minutes to cook one pound of medium-sized potatoes.
Q3: Do I need to peel the potatoes before steaming them?
It’s up to personal preference whether or not you want to peel your potatoes before steaming. For healthier options, keeping the skins on is recommended as they are packed with nutrients. However, if you prefer peeled potatoes or are making dishes like mashed potatoes where only the flesh is used, you can certainly peel them beforehand.
Q4: What other seasonings or ingredients can I add to my steam-cooked potatoes?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning your steam-cooked potatoes! Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor. For a more indulgent option, top your cooked spuds with butter and sour cream or sprinkle on some cheese for a creamy finish!
