Cooking is part of everyday life. While some people love cooking and enjoy trying new recipes and perfecting old ones, others cook just because it’s necessary to keep the family fed. Perhaps it’s also because things don’t often go as well in the kitchen as we’d like. It’s terribly easy to spoil a meal. Do you know which foods go in cold water and which ones go in boiling water?

Potatoes are eaten in many different ways. We can boil them, fry them or bake them. But the most common way to eat them is boiled. Did you know that new potatoes are cooked completely differently from old potatoes? And do you know what the difference is? First of all, new potatoes only have a thin and crispy skin and a creamy texture. Old potatoes have a thick skin and are much starchier. And because they are so different, they also need a different approach.

Why eat new potatoes

Some people don’t like them. Yet they are really amazing. You can boil them or just sauté them briefly with fresh herbs and oil. The delicate outer layer will firm up and be wonderfully crispy. You’ll want to enjoy the new potatoes with the skin on. It’s so delicious. And actually, the new potatoes are amazing on the inside, too. They retain a lot of moisture and have a creamy centre. Of course, it’s always best to pick good potatoes at the store.

━━ ( Source: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) /  Unsplash+ )

New potatoes should have no signs of bruising or soft spots. It is important that the new potato is dry and firm to the touch. The skin should then be soft, almost papery. When you get the potatoes home, put them in a paper bag in the fridge. They can be used within a few days. New potatoes are definitely not intended for long-term storage. Fresh ones, however, can be really perfect.

How to cook them properly

If you prefer baked potatoes, then wash them carefully, halve them and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss. Don’t forget to add salt and a little freshly ground pepper. Then just put them in the oven and bake at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes. The potatoes should be beautifully golden when you take them out. You will see that there is nothing better than baked new potatoes with a crispy skin on the outside and a creamy inside.

Do you really just need to cook them? Then know that new potatoes need to be cooked in boiling water. Never in cold water. You will be rewarded with really tasty potatoes that are also full of vitamins. The hot water preserves the flavour, nutrients and minerals such as potassium. New potatoes do not need to be cooked for very long. If they are smaller, they will only need ten minutes. After cooking, season with salt and you can also add fresh chives.