Ever found yourself craving a quick side dish but short on time? Small potatoes are a perfect solution. They’re versatile, delicious, and can be cooked in just minutes using your microwave.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding Small Potatoes: Small potatoes, such as baby Yukon Gold, new red potatoes, fingerlings, and petite blue potatoes, are quick-cooking options with delicious flavors and various nutritional benefits.
- Nutritional Value: These potatoes are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
- Preparation Tips: Proper cleaning and scrubbing are crucial, followed by pricking the potatoes to allow steam to escape, and seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Microwave Cooking Times: Cooking times vary based on the number of potatoes: 5-7 minutes for 1-2, 8-10 minutes for 3-4, and 10-12 minutes for 5-6, checking doneness with a fork.
- Best Cooking Practices: Arrange potatoes in a single layer, stir halfway through, cover with a lid for steam retention, and poke holes to prevent bursting.
- Flavor Enhancement: Season before cooking and experiment with toppings after microwaving, such as sour cream or cheese, to elevate the overall dish.
What Are Small Potatoes?
Small potatoes, often called baby potatoes or new potatoes, are young, immature varieties of regular potatoes. They’re typically harvested before they reach full size. Their small size and delicate skin make them perfect for quick cooking methods like microwaving.
Types of Small Potatoes
- Baby Yukon Gold: These waxy potatoes have a rich flavor and creamy texture. They’re great for roasting or steaming.
- New Red Potatoes: These bright red potatoes remain firm when cooked. They’re often used in salads or as a side dish.
- Fingerling Potatoes: These small, elongated spuds come in various colors, including yellow and purple. They’re tender and ideal for roasting.
- Petite Blue Potatoes: These small potatoes have a slightly nuttier taste. Their color adds vibrancy to dishes.
Nutritional Benefits
Small potatoes are low in calories, typically around 100 calories per serving (about 5-7 small potatoes). They provide essential nutrients, including:
- Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and skin health.
- Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
Their nutritional profile combined with their versatility makes small potatoes a great addition to your meals.
Preparing Small Potatoes for Microwaving
Prepping small potatoes for microwaving involves straightforward steps to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Follow these guidelines for best results.
Cleaning and Scrubbing
- Rinse the small potatoes under cool running water to remove dirt and debris.
- Use a vegetable brush to scrub the skins gently, ensuring all surfaces are clean.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
Cleaning small potatoes thoroughly enhances their taste and prevents any gritty textures after cooking.
- Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato. Pricking allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting.
- Lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend to enhance taste.
Proper pricking and seasoning amplify the overall flavor, ensuring a delicious side dish ready to enjoy.
Cooking Small Potatoes in the Microwave
Cooking small potatoes in the microwave takes minimal time and effort, making it an efficient way to prepare a tasty side dish. Follow these guidelines to achieve perfectly cooked small potatoes.
Recommended Cooking Times
- For 1-2 small potatoes: Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes.
- For 3-4 small potatoes: Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes.
- For 5-6 small potatoes: Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes.
Check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork. If it feels tender, it’s done. If not, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until fully cooked.
- Arrange potatoes evenly: Place small potatoes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Leave space between them for steam circulation.
- Stir halfway through: Stop the microwave and rotate the plate or stir the potatoes midway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid: Use a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to trap steam, which helps cook the potatoes evenly and adds moisture.
- Poke holes: Poking holes in each potato prevents steam buildup, reducing the risk of bursting while cooking.
These techniques ensure that your small potatoes cook perfectly, resulting in a fluffy interior and delicious flavor.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
Cooking small potatoes in the microwave is simple, but a few tips can make a big difference in quality. Follow these guidelines to achieve consistently delicious results.
Avoiding Overcooking
- Start with recommended times: For 1-2 small potatoes, begin with 5-7 minutes. For 3-4, set your timer for 8-10 minutes. For 5-6, aim for 10-12 minutes.
- Check doneness frequently: After the initial cooking time, pierce a potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are done. If not, cook them in 1-2 minute intervals until tender.
- Use a covered dish: When microwaving, cover the potatoes with a microwave-safe lid. This traps steam and promotes even cooking, which helps avoid overcooked edges or raw centers.
- Season before cooking: After cleaning and drying the potatoes, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. This step infuses flavor during cooking.
- Add oils: Consider lightly coating the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter before cooking. This not only adds richness but also helps achieve a desirable texture.
- Experiment with toppings: Once cooked, elevate the flavor with toppings like sour cream, chives, or cheese. These additions enhance the overall taste and make for a more satisfying dish.
Conclusion
Cooking small potatoes in the microwave is a game-changer for quick and tasty meals. With just a few simple steps you can enjoy a delicious side dish in no time. Remember to choose your favorite variety and season them to your liking for an extra burst of flavor.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or pairings. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends these little gems will impress everyone. So grab those small potatoes and give this method a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are small potatoes?
Small potatoes are young, immature varieties of regular potatoes harvested before they reach full size. They include types like Baby Yukon Gold, New Red Potatoes, Fingerling Potatoes, and Petite Blue Potatoes, each offering unique tastes and cooking methods.
How do I prepare small potatoes for microwaving?
To prepare small potatoes for microwaving, first rinse and scrub them to remove any dirt. Pat them dry, poke holes for steam release, and optionally coat with olive oil or melted butter. Season them to enhance flavor before microwaving.
What are the microwave cooking times for small potatoes?
Microwave small potatoes for 5-7 minutes for 1-2 potatoes, 8-10 minutes for 3-4 potatoes, and 10-12 minutes for 5-6 potatoes. Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork to ensure they are fully cooked.
What tips can I follow to cook small potatoes perfectly?
To cook small potatoes perfectly, start with the recommended times, use a covered dish for even cooking, and check for doneness frequently. Stir halfway through cooking and add salt or oil for extra flavor before microwaving.
Are small potatoes nutritious?
Yes, small potatoes are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients. They provide a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, making them a healthy option to include in your meals.
