Potatoes are a key ingredient in many dishes. However, finding a way to cook potatoes to perfection is not easy. Blanching potatoes can be the start of a cooking process that can speed up and make it easier for you to process potatoes, either by boiling or frying them. Blanching potatoes is fairly easy. You simply cut the potatoes into cubes and boil them in water (over low heat) until tender. Then, you can either cook the blanched potatoes right away or freeze them to reheat later.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Started with the Potato Blanching Process
Step 1. Peel the potatoes
Use a vegetable peeler and carefully press the blade against the potato skin. Move the peeler over the potatoes to remove the skin. Discard the potato skins in the trash.
Some people prefer not to peel potatoes. This option will make the blanching process a little longer. However, if you like potato skins, there's no need to peel them
Step 2. Cut the potatoes to the desired size
You'll need to cut the potatoes to blanch them, and they're usually small cubes. You can adjust the size of the cube according to your recipe or preference. If you want to make french fries, you'll need to cut the potatoes into wedges, not cubes.
- Use a strong knife and a large wooden cutting board to cut the potatoes. Place the potatoes on a cutting board and start cutting them.
- Cut the potato in half lengthwise, making sure the knife cuts through the entire potato. Some of the potatoes were a little hard to cut. So, feel free to apply force when pressing the knife.
- Take each potato wedge and cut it into thirds lengthwise to get a large wedge. If you want to make french fries, all you have to do is blanch the potato wedges.
Step 3. Wash the potatoes
Before putting the potatoes in the pan, it is important to wash the potato pieces to remove the starch. Take a sieve and add all the potato pieces. Wash the potatoes under running water for a few minutes until all the potato pieces are clean. If you see dirt or discoloration on the potatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly.
You usually only need to wash the potatoes under running water. If there is dirt that is difficult to clean, you can scrub it by hand. Make sure you wash your hands first
Step 4. Cool a bowl of tap water to room temperature
To blanch potatoes, you'll need to start with water at room temperature. Pour warm tap water into the pot. Wait a few minutes until the water reaches room temperature.
- You can test the temperature of the water by dipping your finger, but don't forget to wash your hands first.
- Warm tap water is usually close to room temperature so you don't have to wait long to get the water to the right temperature for blanching the potatoes.
Step 5. Add the potatoes to the water
Take the potato wedges and put them in a pot of water at room temperature.
For some vegetables, you will need to add salt before starting the blanching process. However, there is no need to add salt to blanch the potatoes
Step 6. Place the potatoes on the stove over high heat until the water starts to boil
After the water boils, immediately reduce the heat. You have to be careful not to overcook the potatoes during the blanching process as they will burn easily when you cook them according to the recipe. Reduce the heat until the water is no longer boiling. Usually you should use medium or low heat.
- Check the potatoes for doneness periodically. The length of the blanching process will depend on the number of potatoes.
- To prevent the potatoes from overcooking, you should be careful. Choose low heat over medium heat.
Part 2 of 3: Continuing the Blanching Process
Step 1. Prepare ice water while the blanching process takes place
You should soak the potatoes in ice water after the blanching process is complete. This will stop the ripening process and will preserve the color of the potatoes. Take a bowl large enough to hold all the potato pieces. Fill it with water and add a few ice cubes until the water is very cold to the touch.
As usual, wash your hands before dipping your hands in water
Step 2. Check the doneness of the potatoes after 12 minutes
It will take about 12 minutes for the potatoes to reach the right temperature. At this point, check the potatoes for doneness with a fork or knife.
The outside of the potato should be soft, but you can't pierce it easily with a fork or knife. The tip of the knife or fork should not penetrate the surface of the potato easily. If the tip of a knife or fork can penetrate the potatoes easily, the potatoes are cooked and not blanching. You have to start all over again
Step 3. Boil the potatoes longer if necessary
If the potatoes are so firm that you can't pierce them with the tip of a knife or fork at all, boil them for a few more minutes and then check again. You have to check carefully. Do not let the potatoes become overcooked by accident.
Step 4. Remove the potatoes from the heat
After the blanching process is complete, strain the potatoes over the sink using a sieve. Then, pour the potatoes into a bowl of iced water. Soak the potatoes until they are no longer hot to the touch.
The potatoes will cool quickly in the ice water. Check every few minutes. Remove the potato wedges when they are cool enough
Part 3 of 3: Using Blanched Potatoes
Step 1. Dry the potatoes after they cool
Pour the potatoes into a colander over the sink and drain. Arrange potato strips on paper towels and dry gently.
Step 2. Bake, cook, or fry the potatoes
If you want to use potatoes immediately, you can immediately process potatoes into various dishes. Blanched potatoes will cook faster when baked or fried than regular potatoes. You can start cooking following the instructions given in the recipe.
- Add seasoning to potatoes. Natural potatoes are usually a bit bland when eaten alone. Try experimenting with different spices! You can make the potatoes spicy by adding chili powder or choose a salty variant by adding garlic salt.
- You can also buy spice packs at the convenience store. For example, try cajun spice and add it to the potatoes after they are cooked.
Step 3. Freeze the potatoes if you want to store them and process them later
The blanching technique is often used before freezing vegetables to make them last longer. If you are going to freeze the potatoes, place them in a plastic container that can be tightly closed. Make sure you leave about 2.5 cm of space between the potatoes and the lid of the container.
- You can also use a plastic bag clip. Make sure you get as much air out of the plastic bag as possible before closing it.
- For best results, freeze potatoes in a very cold freezer. This way, you can keep it for the longest time.
Tips
- Be careful when boiling. Do not let you get burns because of carelessness. Wear an apron and long sleeves to avoid splashing boiling water directly on your skin.
- Prepare all the tools and materials in advance. It is important to prepare a pot of boiling water and a bowl of ice water before starting. That way, you won't be wasting valuable time looking for what you need, while the potatoes could overcook in the pot.
