Top News

Lifestyle Desk – Potato is the most commonly used vegetable in Indian kitchen. Be it dry potato curry, paratha, tikki, chaat or snacks, almost every house prepares potato in some form or the other every day. But many times people complain that after boiling the potatoes become too soft, their taste seems dull or they are not mashed properly. According to experts, it is not the quality of the potato but the wrong way of boiling it that is responsible for this. Some small mistakes can spoil the taste and texture of the entire dish. So let us know what are those mistakes which should not be made.

putting potatoes in hot water

Many people, to save time, first boil water and then add potatoes in it. This is considered to be the most common mistake. By doing this, the potato starts cooking quickly from outside, while the inside part may remain raw. For better results, potatoes should always be boiled in cold water. Due to this, the potato cooks evenly and its texture also remains good.

Boiling very small or chopped potatoes

To cook potatoes quickly, some people cut them into small pieces and boil them. Due to this, the starch and nutrients of potato can dissolve in water. Also the potato becomes excessively soft and starts breaking. If no special recipe is required then it is considered better to boil the potatoes whole with their peel.

excessive use of water

Filling the pot with too much water while boiling potatoes is also a mistake. Prolonged boiling in excessive water can reduce the natural flavor of potatoes. There should be enough water so that the potatoes are completely immersed in it.

do not add salt

Many people do not add salt to water while boiling potatoes. However, adding light salt allows the flavor to reach inside the potatoes. Especially if potatoes are to be used in dishes like salad, chaat or mashed potatoes, then it is beneficial to add a little salt while boiling.

simmer for a long time

Boiling potatoes for longer than necessary causes them to absorb water and spoil their texture. Due to this, the mixture may become sticky while making parathas, tikkis or cutlets. Use a knife or fork to check whether the potato is cooked or not. If it goes in easily then the potato is ready.

leave in water immediately after boiling

It is also not right to leave boiled potatoes in hot water for a long time after switching off the gas. This may cause the potatoes to melt further. Drain the water immediately after boiling and keep the potatoes aside to cool.

not choosing the right kind of potato

The same potato is not suitable for every recipe. Potatoes with more starch are considered good for parathas, tikkis and mashed potatoes, whereas for salads and vegetables, potatoes which retain their shape after boiling are better.