There are many ways to cook a potato in a microwave. In no more than 10 minutes you can prepare a whole stuffed potato, some tasty cubes or a puree. Potatoes of the Russet variety, with their floury and starchy pulp, are the ideal choice if you intend to cook them in the microwave, but there are other valid options, including sweet or yellow-fleshed ones. In any case, it is best not to lose sight of them while they are cooking and check them frequently to avoid the risk of them being overcooked.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stuffed Baked Potato
Step 1. Select and clean the potato
If you intend to cook it in the microwave and want to get the best possible result, choose a potato of the Russet variety. Since it will be cooked with the peel, rub it under cold water to remove the earth residues. After cleaning it, dry it with a tea towel or kitchen paper.
If the potato has any blackened or bruised parts, remove them with a sharp knife
Step 2. Pierce the potato
Make 4-5 small holes on each side using a fork. These holes are used to let the steam escape during cooking, they are essential to prevent it from exploding in the oven. After piercing it, place it on a dish suitable for use in the microwave.
Step 3. Cook the potato for 3 minutes
Turn on the microwave on maximum power. After 3 minutes, turn it off and take out the potato to check for doneness. A single potato should cook in just over 5 minutes, but it's best to err on the side of caution to avoid overcooking it.
If you have chosen a variety other than Russet, adjust the cooking time accordingly (reduce it if it belongs to a smaller variety or increase it if it is larger)
Step 4. Check if it is ready
Gently squeeze it on the sides by gripping it with an oven mitt or kitchen towel. If it yields under finger pressure and the peel breaks and lifts, it is cooked. If it's still tough, put it back in the oven and cook it for another minute before checking it again.
Step 5. Stuff the potato
When it's done, carve it on one side with a sharp knife. Now place a folded paper towel over the cut and use your other hand to push it down opening the potato in half like a book. Work the pulp with a fork to allow the filling to penetrate and flavor it. You can use the ingredients you prefer, for example:
- Sour cream;
- Chives;
- Crumbled bacon;
- Grated cheese;
- Chili pepper;
- Ground beef or pork.
Method 2 of 3: Baked Potato Cubes
Step 1. Choose a Russet or yellow flesh potato, preferably medium or large in size
Rinse and scrub it to get rid of any dirt. After cleaning it, dry it with a tea towel or kitchen paper.
Step 2. Cut the potato
You need to get cubes about 2-3 cm long on each side. Once ready, transfer them to a dish suitable for use in the microwave. Distribute them evenly to obtain a homogeneous cooking.
Step 3. Season the potato cubes
Start by seasoning them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (a tablespoon should suffice), then sprinkle them with your favorite spices. You can use salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or a ready mix of spices you like. Stir to distribute the dressing evenly.
Step 4. Cover the plate and cook the potato cubes
You can use a suitable lid or cling film. Do not leave any openings as the trapped steam will help cook and brown the potatoes. Set the oven at maximum power for 5-10 minutes.
Step 5. Check the doneness
After 5 minutes, take the plate out of the oven and stick a piece of potato with your fork to see if it's ready. If it penetrates effortlessly, it means it's time to eat. If the potato still feels tough and is resisting, put the dish back in the microwave and check again at about one minute intervals.
Method 3 of 3: Mashed Potatoes
Step 1. Rinse, scrub and dry a large potato
Wash it thoroughly on the outside to remove any dirt. After drying, place it in a dish suitable for use in the microwave. In this case, the potato should neither be peeled nor pierced with a fork.
The ideal is to use a potato of the Russet variety, but you can use a different one as long as it has a thick skin. Yellow-fleshed or sweet potatoes can also be fine
Step 2. Cover and cook it
Place a lid on the plate or use cling film, but either way leave an open corner. Turn on the oven at maximum power for 5 minutes, then take out the dish, uncover it and check if the potato is ready. If it's not cooked yet, put it back in the microwave and check again at about one minute intervals.
Step 3. Peel the potato
Remove it from the plate with a pair of kitchen tongs or after putting on an oven mitt. Put it under cold water for 15 seconds to cool it down. When it is lukewarm, cut it on one side and gently empty it of the pulp.
Step 4. Mash it to make a puree
Put the pulp in a bowl and add 120 ml of milk, 120 ml of cream (or plain yogurt if you prefer) and a tablespoon of butter. Mash the potato with a special kitchen utensil or a large fork until you get a smooth, even puree. Add salt and pepper to taste.
