Problems boiling potatoes

logic

Its seems of late that when I am boiling potatoes they start disintegrating in the pot before they are cooked, the core is still very hard. I bring them to the boil at max heat, then reduce the heat to stop the water spilling over the pot (water still hot enough that its bubbling away). Am I doing something wrong?

the beer revolu

Don't boil, steam - never break up that way.

FTGFOP

Have you changed the type of potatoes you use?

Are you boiling them whole? Peeled? If you're not doing it already make chop them so they're all the same size and maybe go for a little smaller than you usually would. You might try a more gentle ramp up to boiling and then a very gentle simmer -barely bubbling.

I've had the same thing happen with steamed potatoes, they can be temperamental, especially the very floury ones.

siobhan.murphy

boil them till they go kinda soft about 10/15 mins then strain off 3/4 of the water (mayb a bit more)cover the spuds with a teatowel turn the temp to the lowest setting and they will dry steam and cook perfectly in about10/15 mins

dxhound2005

Or if you're in a hurry drain and dry them off on the heat when the skins start cracking. Then give them a minute or two in the microwave.

ArthurG

I agree with the steaming option - mashed spuds made with steamed potatoes and a potato ricer are the best, you never get a lump!!