In this guide, we'll teach you how to peel potatoes, either traditionally using a potato peeler or in a newer, easier way. Both are effective ways and can be done by anyone.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using a Potato Peeler
Step 1. Hold the potato in one hand and the potato peeler in the other
Make sure the potato is positioned above where you will easily dispose of or collect the peel (eg in the trash). Generally there are two models of potato peeler. Here's how to hold each of these peeler models.
- If you have a standard long potato peeler, hold it like you would a paint roll, with your thumb acting as balance.
- If you have a Y-shaped peeler, hold it like you would a pencil. This position is more efficient and the risk of accidents is small. Use your middle finger, index finger, and thumb to hold the peeler firmly.
Step 2. Start peeling from the bottom
Peel it from the bottom up, away from your body. Imagine that you're drawing a line using your parer, pointing away from the body. Ideally, you can peel it in one straight line.
- This motion applies to all forms of potato peeler. Although there are other ways, this method will give cleaner results.
- Some potatoes may be a little more difficult to peel, especially if they are not perfectly round and not smooth. Make sure you can peel the part well by peeling it more carefully.
Step 3. Turn the potatoes and keep repeating the peeling process
Once you've peeled a strip, twist your potato slightly, and repeat the same motion. Do this until all the sides are peeled off. No need to think about the leather on the bag and underneath first.
No need to rush. Do it slowly so you don't cut your own hands or accidentally peel the potato. Do it slowly so you get used to it. If you get used to it, you can do it much faster
Step 4. Peel off the black spots on the flesh
You may find some black spots on the potato flesh after peeling and that is a common thing in potato flesh. Cut or peel the area until there are no more black spots on the surface of the flesh.
Sometimes this black part will be very deep. If so, trim the area with a knife or the tip of your potato peeler. You will sacrifice the shape of the potatoes, but at least your potatoes will be edible
Step 5. Peel the top and bottom of the potato
Peel the top and bottom in circular motions until you leave only the middle.
Rinse the potatoes with water so they are ready to cook
Method 2 of 2: Peeling by Boiling the Potatoes
Step 1. Put your potatoes in a pot of water
Make sure the pot is big enough so the potatoes don't stick together and make sure there's enough water to cover the potatoes.
Step 2. If desired, slice the potatoes
This may make it easier for you to peel the potatoes (or at least make it easier to hold). Slice the skin (i.e. about 0.6cm deep) circularly down the middle.
Don't slice too deep. You only need to slice until it cuts off the skin. Make sure the depth of the slices is the same in all the potatoes so that they all cook at the same time
Step 3. Boil the potatoes for 15 minutes
If you put six to seven potatoes in a saucepan, it will take you 15 minutes for all of the potatoes to cook. When it's done, try stabbing the potatoes with a fork. If the skin can be pierced with a fork through the flesh, then the potatoes are cooked.
You don't need to make the water right away. Go to the next step to keep the heat in the meat going
Step 4. When the potatoes are done, put them in cold water for five to 10 seconds one at a time
Prepare a bowl of cold water and do this using tongs.
- You don't need to soak it for too long to cool. Five to 10 seconds is enough.
- As you add the potatoes one at a time, you may need to add ice cubes or change the water as the heat from the potatoes may heat up the cold water.
Step 5. Peel off the skin
This way, you can easily peel the potatoes using your bare hands or fingers. If you previously sliced the potato, you can start peeling from the line of the slice.
Discard the skin in the trash
Tips
- You can save the skin for soup or fry. Potato peels contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals.
- Use the prying end of the potato to remove the dark spots on the potato flesh.
- If you boil the potatoes, you can actually eat them without peeling the skin. As previously mentioned, the peel contains beneficial nutrients.
