I have always been a fan of potatoes. There’s just something so comforting about a warm, fluffy spud that can be prepared in so many different ways. One of my favorite methods of cooking potatoes is blanching them in the microwave. It’s quick, easy, and results in perfectly tender potatoes every time. In this blog post, I will guide you through the simple process of blanching potatoes in the microwave, so you can enjoy this delicious side dish in no time.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we dive into the process of blanching potatoes in the microwave, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– Potatoes (Choose any variety you prefer. I recommend using small to medium-sized potatoes for faster and more even cooking.)
– Water
– Salt (Optional, for seasoning)
Tools:
– Microwave-safe dish with a lid (Make sure the lid has vent holes or can be partially opened to release steam.)
– Knife or fork (For piercing the potatoes)
– Cutting board
– Microwave oven
Preparing the Potatoes
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to prepare the potatoes for blanching. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2:
Next, place the washed potatoes on a clean cutting board and using a knife or fork, pierce each potato multiple times. This will allow steam to escape while they are being cooked in the microwave.
Blanching Potatoes in the Microwave
Now that our potatoes are prepped and ready, let’s move on to the actual blanching process. Follow these steps:
Step 1:
Place the pierced potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Ensure that the dish is large enough to accommodate all the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding, as this may result in uneven cooking.
Step 2:
Add enough water to the dish to cover the potatoes partially. You don’t want to completely submerge them; just enough water to create steam and aid in the cooking process.
Step 3:
Optional: If desired, add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning. This step is entirely optional, and you can skip it if you prefer unsalted potatoes.
Step 4:
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid that has vent holes or can be opened slightly to allow steam to escape. If your lid doesn’t have vent holes, you can cover the dish partially with a microwave-safe plate or use microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
Step 5:
Place the dish in the microwave and set the cooking time based on the number and size of the potatoes. As a general rule, microwave small to medium-sized potatoes on high for 5 minutes, then check for doneness. If they need more time, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6:
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a kitchen towel. Be cautious as the dish and steam may be hot.
Enjoying Your Blanched Potatoes
Congratulations! You have successfully blanched potatoes in the microwave, and now it’s time to enjoy them. Here are a few serving suggestions:
– Serve the blanched potatoes as a side dish with your choice of protein, such as grilled chicken or baked fish.
– Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme over the potatoes for an added burst of flavor.
– For a more indulgent treat, drizzle some melted butter or olive oil over the potatoes before serving.
– Feel free to get creative and customize your blanched potatoes with spices or seasonings of your choice.
Remember, blanched potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in various recipes. You can add them to soups, stews, salads, or even mash them to create creamy mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
Blanching potatoes in the microwave is a quick and easy method that yields perfectly tender spuds every time. With a few simple steps and minimal preparation, you can enjoy this delicious side dish in no time. So, the next time you’re craving potatoes but don’t want to spend hours cooking, give the microwave blanching method a try. Your taste buds will thank you!