Chefs have invented many tools, including the potato peeler, to peel potatoes. However, you don't need anything more than a good kitchen knife.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean the Potatoes
Potatoes grow underground and their skin accumulates a lot of dirt. For best results, use a brush with nylon bristles or a sponge to wash them.
Step 1. Place the potatoes on a cutting board near the sink
Place a colander on the other side; if you don't have a colander you can use kitchen paper. In this way you will absorb the excess water from the freshly washed potatoes.
Step 2. Rinse each tuber under cold water and use the brush or sponge to scrub away the soil
Step 3. Put the cleaned potatoes in the colander or on the paper towel
Step 4. Continue rinsing and scrubbing them until they are clean
Method 2 of 3: Peel a Raw Potato
Peel the potatoes just before cooking so they don't turn dark.
Step 1. Put the potato on the cutting board
Position it so that it is parallel in length to the edge of the countertop.
Step 2. Slice one end
You shouldn't take away more than 6mm thick and the cut should be perfectly vertical. This way you can place the potato on the cutting board without it slipping.
Step 3. Place the potato on the cut end and hold it steady with your non-dominant hand
Step 4. Peel one section at a time with a sharp knife
Start at the tip of the tuber and work your way down to the cutting board. Try not to waste too much pulp.
Step 5. Rotate the potato and peel another area, continue like this until you have peeled all the tuber
Step 6. Remove any buds, or "eyes", that have developed on the surface using the knife
Repeat these operations for all the potatoes that are needed for preparation.
Method 3 of 3: Peel a Cooked Potato
Some cooks prefer to peel potatoes when they are very hot. Boil or steam the potatoes in their skins and then use a curved knife to peel them. This technique is not recommended for roasted potatoes, as they lose a lot of water during cooking and it becomes very difficult to separate the pulp from the skin. The instructions below refer to a boiled potato.
Step 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil
The pot must be large enough to hold all the potatoes you need.
Step 2. Add a generous pinch of salt if desired
This way you enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
Step 3. Put the potatoes in boiling water
You can help yourself with tongs, or do it by hand by keeping the potatoes as close to the water as possible to avoid dangerous splashes.
Step 4. Boil them until tender
To check the prickly cooking with a fork, if it goes in easily, they are ready.
Step 5. Remove the potatoes from the water and place them on a cutting board
You can use a colander or pour them directly into the clean sink.
Step 6. Stick a potato with a two-pronged fork using your non-dominant hand
You should pierce it in the center so you don't touch it with your hands.
Step 7. Grab a curved knife with your dominant hand and rest the blade on the skin of the tuber
Step 8. Slide the blade over the potato, the skin should come off easily
Be careful not to waste too much pulp and use tongs to handle peeled potatoes if they are too hot.
Step 9. Repeat for all the potatoes in your recipe
Advice
- Potatoes, when eaten with the peel, are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and fiber. When you can, cook them with their peels, especially the red ones.
- If you need to peel the potatoes at room temperature for more than a few minutes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning dark.
- If you want to cook baked potatoes but don't have time to wait for them to cook, cut them in half lengthwise and rub them with olive oil. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet with the cut side down and bake them at 190 ° C for 25-35 minutes.
- Instead of using your fork to hold a cooked potato while you peel it, you can use a clean towel.
