How long should you boil potatoes for mashed potatoes?

The time you need to boil the potatoes you plan to mash depends on the size of the potatoes (or potato pieces) you are using.<br><br>Some people prefer to boil the potatoes whole, while others prefer to cut them into pieces before boiling.<br><br>Smaller potatoes (like red potatoes) will boil faster whole – about 15-20 minutes in boiling water. Larger potatoes (like russets) require a bit more time – about 20-30 minutes.<br><br>If you prefer to cut the potatoes into cubes first, you can manage with about 15 minutes in boiling water, regardless of the size of the potato you started with.<br><br>Although there is no set boiling time that you can always use for perfect mashed potatoes, a good rule is to ensure they are cooked through. To check this, pierce a potato with a fork. If the fork easily goes through the potato, it is done.

Regardless of what you have heard, it is not necessary to peel the potatoes before boiling (if you are boiling them whole). Not only do unpeeled potatoes absorb less water and retain more vitamins and nutrients, but the skins are generally easier to remove after cooking – just make sure to scrub the skin well first if that is the method you choose.<br><br>You can also completely peel the potatoes if that is more convenient for you. A potato peeler or a classic knife will do the job.<br><br>If you want, you can also cut the potatoes into cubes or quarters if you want to speed up the cooking time.

Place the potatoes in a pot or large container filled with salty, cold water. The potatoes should be fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium. When you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork, they are done.<br><br>Also, we are not joking when we say you should be generous with the salt (about one tablespoon per kilogram of potatoes). You need to use more than you probably think is necessary for the salt to penetrate into the potato.