Cooking small potatoes in the microwave is one of the quickest and simplest ways to prepare this versatile vegetable. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, a nutritious snack, or a base for your favorite toppings, microwaving small potatoes will yield fluffy, tender results in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step process of cooking small potatoes in the microwave, explore different techniques and flavoring options, and provide tips for achieving the perfect results every time.
Why Choose Microwave Cooking for Small Potatoes?
Microwaving is an excellent method for cooking small potatoes for several reasons:
- Speed: Microwaving can cook small potatoes in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, a huge time-saver for busy cooks.
- Nutrition: When cooked in the microwave, small potatoes retain more of their nutrients compared to boiling or frying, ensuring you get the most health benefits from your meal.
- Convenience: No need for pots, pans, or additional appliances. Simply place the potatoes in the microwave, and you’re good to go.
- Minimal Cleanup: With fewer dishes to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Choosing the Right Small Potatoes
Before we dive into the cooking process, it is essential to select the right small potatoes to ensure the best outcome. Here are a few options to consider:
Types of Small Potatoes
- Baby Yukon Gold: Creamy texture with a buttery taste, perfect for roasting or mashing.
- Red Potatoes: Firm and slightly sweet, these are ideal for salads or side dishes.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Unique in shape and often very flavorful, they add visual appeal and variety.
When selecting small potatoes, look for those that are smooth, firm, and free of blemishes or sprouts.
Preparing Small Potatoes for Microwaving
Once you’ve chosen your small potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Follow these simple steps to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly.
Step 1: Wash the Potatoes
Start by rinsing the small potatoes under cold running water. Gently scrub them with your hands or a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. This step is crucial, as you want to avoid any residual dirt on the skin.
Step 2: Prick the Potatoes
Using a fork, poke several holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting in the microwave.
Step 3: Optional (Seasoning and Oil)**
While optional, adding a little oil or seasoning can enhance the flavor of your small potatoes. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over them and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor before microwaving.
Cooking Small Potatoes in the Microwave
Now that your small potatoes are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked potatoes.
Step 4: Arrange Potatoes in the Microwave
Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer. If you have too many potatoes, it’s better to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to help steam the potatoes, which can speed up the cooking process.
Step 5: Microwaving Time
Cooking time will vary based on the size of your potatoes and the wattage of your microwave. As a general guideline, small potatoes typically require:
| Microwave Wattage | Cooking Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 700-800 | 8-10 |
| 900-1000 | 5-8 |
Start by microwaving them for the lowest time in the range for your wattage and then check for doneness. If not fully cooked, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until tender.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To check if the potatoes are done, insert a fork or knife into the center of one. If it slides in easily, they are cooked. If there is resistance, return the potatoes to the microwave for another minute and check again.
Step 7: Let Them Rest
Once your small potatoes are cooked, remove them from the microwave carefully, as they will be hot. Allow them to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting period helps the potatoes finish cooking through residual heat.
Flavoring and Serving Suggestions
Once your small potatoes are cooked to perfection, the real fun begins! Here are a few delicious ways to flavor and serve them:
Simple Seasoning
For an easy and nutritious side, toss the hot small potatoes with a little butter or olive oil and some salt and pepper. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill work wonderfully.
Loaded Potatoes
Turn your cooked potatoes into a hearty meal by loading them up with toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Cheddar Cheese and Bacon: Melt shredded cheese over the hot potatoes, add crumbled bacon, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions or chives.
- Sour Cream and Chives: A classic combination that adds a tangy, creamy flavor. Top with fresh chives for an elegant touch.
- Pesto and Parmesan: Toss the potatoes with basil pesto and freshly grated parmesan cheese for a vibrant Italian twist.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Potatoes
To ensure consistent results every time you cook small potatoes in the microwave, consider the following tips:
Tip 1: Choose Uniform Sizes
When cooking small potatoes, try to select ones that are approximately the same size for even cooking. If you have a mix of sizes, add the smaller ones to the microwave later.
Tip 2: Use a Microwave-Safe Dish
Ensure that the dish you use is labeled as microwave-safe to prevent any risk of melting or releasing harmful chemicals. Glass or ceramic dishes are often the best choices.
Tip 3: Experiment with Flavors
Don’t hesitate to try different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite combinations. Experimentation can lead to delightful discoveries that make your meals more exciting.
Beyond the Microwave: Other Cooking Methods for Small Potatoes
While microwaving small potatoes is quick and effective, there are other cooking methods worth exploring, depending on your preferences:
Boiling Small Potatoes
Boiling is another popular method, though it takes longer than microwaving. Place washed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook until tender, typically 15-20 minutes, depending on the size.
Roasting Small Potatoes
Roasting helps achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Toss small potatoes with olive oil, salt, and herbs, then roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes.
Steaming Small Potatoes
Using a steaming basket above boiling water allows for nutrient retention while cooking evenly. It typically takes about 15-20 minutes for small potatoes to become tender.
Conclusion
Cooking small potatoes in the microwave is not just a practical solution for busy individuals; it’s also a way to enjoy a nutritious and versatile side dish in mere minutes. With a few simple steps, you can transform small potatoes into delightful meals that suit any palate. Remember to experiment with flavors and toppings to make these tiny tubers a regular feature in your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you’re pressed for time but still want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, remember the microwave method for cooking small potatoes — it’s easy, quick, and oh so satisfying!
What are the best types of small potatoes to cook in the microwave?
When it comes to cooking small potatoes in the microwave, the best types are typically new potatoes, baby potatoes, or fingerling potatoes. These varieties are known for their tender texture and naturally sweet flavor, which makes them perfect for quick cooking methods. New potatoes are usually harvested early in the season, and their thin skins do not require peeling, making them convenient for microwave preparation.
Additionally, baby potatoes are small, round, and pack a burst of flavor, while fingerling potatoes are elongated and have a unique shape. All of these types not only cook well in the microwave but also hold their shape and have a delightful taste that enhances many meals. Choosing high-quality potatoes adds to the overall success of your microwaved dish.
How do I prepare small potatoes for microwaving?
Preparing small potatoes for microwaving is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. After cleaning, pat them dry with a paper towel. If you prefer, you can cut larger potatoes into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking, but smaller potatoes can be left whole.
Next, making tiny slits in the skin of the potatoes allows steam to escape while cooking, preventing them from bursting in the microwave. Placing the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish with a lid or covering them with a microwave-safe plate creates a steamy environment, which helps to cook the potatoes evenly and quickly. Now, you’re ready to microwave!
How long should I microwave small potatoes?
The cooking time for small potatoes in the microwave will vary based on their size and your microwave’s wattage. Generally, you should microwave small potatoes for about 5 to 10 minutes. Start with 5 minutes for whole small potatoes, and then check for doneness by piercing them with a fork. If they are still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they are tender.
Remember that microwaves may have different power levels, so it might take some time to find the perfect timing for your specific appliance. It’s always better to start with less time, as you can always cook them longer, but overcooking may lead to mushy potatoes. Just keep an eye on them during the process!
Do I need to add water when microwaving small potatoes?
Adding water when microwaving small potatoes is not strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial. A tablespoon or two of water in the dish can create steam, which helps cook the potatoes more evenly and prevents them from drying out. If you choose not to add water, make sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
However, if you like a crispier texture, you might opt to microwave them without any added water. In this case, monitoring cook times is crucial to avoid overheating and ensure they don’t become too dry. Adjusting the cooking method to your preferences is key to achieving the desired results.
Can I season small potatoes before microwaving?
Absolutely, seasoning small potatoes before microwaving can enhance their flavor significantly. You can toss the washed and dried potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices right before cooking. This not only adds taste but also promotes a delicious golden color on the skin after cooking.
Simply remember to coat them lightly to prevent splattering inside the microwave. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor. Once they’re cooked, you can always adjust or add more seasoning to your liking. The key is to find a balance that suits your palate!
Are microwaved small potatoes healthy?
Microwaved small potatoes can indeed be a healthy choice, especially when compared to other cooking methods that may require added fats or oils. They are a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C, and potassium, which can be retained during the quick cooking process. Cooking them in the microwave also helps to preserve their nutritional content.
Moreover, small potatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet. By keeping the skin on, you get even more health benefits, as most nutrients are found there. Ultimately, how healthy the dish is will depend on the ingredients used during preparation!
Can I reheat leftover microwaved potatoes?
Yes, you can safely reheat leftover microwaved potatoes, and doing so is quite simple. When reheating, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap them in a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Reheat them in the microwave on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, and check for warmth in between intervals.
It’s important to ensure that the potatoes are heated evenly to prevent cold spots which can affect the taste. If you have added any seasoning previously, feel free to sprinkle some fresh seasoning or a little butter to enhance the flavor while reheating. Enjoying leftovers can be just as delightful as the first serving!
What can I serve with microwaved small potatoes?
Microwaved small potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They pair well with proteins such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish, making them an excellent side option for any meal. Additionally, you can toss them in a salad for added texture and nutrition, or use them as a base for a hearty veggie bowl topped with roasted vegetables.
For a different spin, consider serving them with a creamy sauce or homemade herb butter. You can also mash them slightly for a rustic side dish or serve them with dips like sour cream or guacamole. The options are endless, and you can get creative with how you incorporate these tasty little potatoes into your meals!