Simple kitchen hack: Keep potatoes firm and flavorful
Is there anything simpler in the kitchen than cooking potatoes? Most people can handle this task. However, a few tricks can make it even easier and help the potatoes maintain a better texture. It's worth checking them out, especially if you plan to use the potatoes in a dish like a salad later.
3:17 PM EST, November 12, 2024
How should you cook potatoes? Most people cook potatoes by covering them with cold water and adding salt. However, you can also place them directly into boiling water, which will speed up the cooking process. Although adding salt is common, it's not necessary.
What to add to cooking potatoes?
Salt isn't the only thing you can add to potatoes. Consider adding lemon juice, especially if you intend to use the potatoes for something other than dinner. This addition will ensure they don't fall apart or darken. If you don't have lemon juice, you can use vinegar to give the potatoes a stronger, more intense flavor. Just one tablespoon is enough.
A more well-known method is cooking potatoes with a bit of butter. This makes the potatoes taste even better.
Why do potatoes darken and fall apart when cooking?
Although potatoes seem simple, they may not look as expected after cooking. Sometimes, they darken or fall apart. Why does this happen? It's due to natural processes in the potatoes. Enzymes in the tubers react with oxygen, changing the color. Also, cooking them for too long or using too much water can make them soft and cause them to fall apart.