All About Potatoes
Potatoes are starchy tubers that form the backbone of countless dishes. They bring substance and mild earthiness to meals, absorbing flavors while providing creamy or fluffy texture when cooked. A 5-pound bag feeds a family of 4 for about 3 meals. Their neutral taste makes them perfect carriers for butter, cheese, herbs, and spices.
How to Select
Choose firm potatoes without soft spots or green patches. Skin should feel dry, not damp. A 2-inch diameter potato weighs about 5 ounces. Avoid sprouted ones unless you plan to use them within 2 days. Heavy potatoes contain more moisture and cook up fluffier.
How to Store
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place at 45-50°F. A paper bag in the pantry works for 2-3 weeks. Never refrigerate raw potatoes, as cold converts starch to sugar. Store away from onions, which release gases that speed sprouting. One rotten potato spoils the bunch within 48 hours, so check weekly.
How to Prep
Scrub potatoes under cold water with a vegetable brush. Peel if desired, keeping peeled potatoes in cold water up to 2 hours to prevent browning. For even cooking, cut into 1-inch cubes or 1/4-inch slices. Soak cut potatoes 30 minutes in cold water to remove excess starch for crispier results when frying.
Flavor Pairings
Potatoes love fat. Butter melts into their fluffy interior at 1 tablespoon per potato. Garlic and onions add depth when sautéed together. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme need just 1 teaspoon per pound. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully over 200°F potatoes. Black pepper wakes up their mild flavor.
Cooking Tips
Boil cubed potatoes 12-15 minutes in salted water for tender results.
Bake whole potatoes at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until a knife slides through easily.
Start mashed potatoes in cold water, bringing to a boil over 15 minutes for even cooking.
Add 1 teaspoon salt per quart of water when boiling for properly seasoned potatoes.
Varieties
Need a substitute? See our Best Substitutes for Potatoes guide with tested ratios.
FAQ
How many potatoes do I need per person?
Plan on 1 medium potato (5-6 ounces) per person for a side dish. For mashed potatoes, increase to 8 ounces per person since you'll lose water weight during cooking. A 5-pound bag contains about 10 medium potatoes. Double these amounts if potatoes are the main component of your meal.
Why did my potatoes turn green?
Light exposure causes potatoes to produce chlorophyll and solanine, a bitter toxin. Green patches indicate solanine levels 5-10 times higher than normal. Cut away all green parts plus 1/2 inch of surrounding flesh. If more than 30% is green, toss the potato. Store potatoes in complete darkness to prevent this.
Should I salt the water when boiling potatoes?
Yes. Add 1 tablespoon salt per quart of water. Potatoes absorb about 1/8 teaspoon salt per serving during a 15-minute boil. This seasons them throughout rather than just on the surface. Start potatoes in already-salted cold water for the most even absorption. The water should taste like mild seawater.
Can I prep potatoes ahead of time?
Peeled whole potatoes keep 24 hours submerged in cold water in the fridge. Change water every 12 hours. Cut potatoes last 4-6 hours this way before getting waterlogged. For longer storage, blanch cut potatoes 3-5 minutes in boiling water, then freeze up to 3 months.
Recipes with Potatoes
Creamy Baked Scalloped Potatoes with Cheddar Cheese
1 hr 20 min
Hearty Ground Bison Stew with Vegetables and Herbs
1 hr
Slow-Simmered Pork Shoulder Stew with Root Vegetables
3 hr 20 min
Spanish Chickpea and Potato Stew with Smoked Paprika
1 hr
Traditional Horse Meat Stew with Root Vegetables
2 hr 20 min