To peel or not to peel?This might be the first question you ask when preparing potatoes, but you need to think about the dish you're making.Some potato-based meals or side dishes are more tender if you peel the potatoes and leave the peels on.The decision to peel a potato is a personal one, but there are useful tips for determining when and how to cook it.
Step 1: If you want to reap the benefits of organic potatoes, keep the peels on them.
If you want to leave the peels on your potatoes, you should buy organically-grown potatoes.The peel of potatoes contains more iron than the flesh.The potatoes are a good source of vitamins B, C, and fiber.
Step 2: If you're cooking new potatoes, leave the peel on.
Yellow or red potatoes have thinner peels and are more tender.Small new potatoes are too small to peel easily and are the first of the season.The peels won't get in the way of the texture or flavor of your dish if you leave them on any of these types.When prepared, new potatoes are great.The potatoes can be roasted or steam to preserve their flavor.
Step 3: If you want to save time in the kitchen, don't peel potatoes.
It might take too long to peel potatoes for a crowd.Take the time to wash the waxy potato variety.You can cook the potatoes without peeling them.Before you make the potatoes, you'll want to trim away any blemish with a small paring knife.
Step 4: If you want a rustic texture soup, keep the peels on.
If you leave the potato peels on the soup, it will have a heartier texture.The smaller the potatoes, the easier the dishes are to eat.If you choose to use floury Russet potatoes, cut them smaller so you don't end up with large bites of peel.
Step 5: If you want a more filling dish, leave the peels on.
If you're making mashed potatoes, you should cook them without peeling the potatoes.If you peel the potatoes, they're not as heartier.The sides have a rustic look.Since you're leaving the peels on, it's important to thoroughly cook the potatoes so they are tender.
Step 6: If you're cooking potatoes, remove the peel.
It's a good idea to remove the thick peel if you're boiling, roasting, or mashing potatoes.As you cook the floury potatoes, the peel doesn't change much, so you'd be left with a firm peel.
Step 7: If you want to remove pesticides, peel conventionally-grown potatoes.
Conventionally-grown potatoes are sprayed with pesticides prior to harvest.Peel the potatoes before you cook them to make sure you don't get pesticides from them.Don't forget to wash the potatoes before peeling them.
Step 8: If you want potato dishes that are very tender or delicate, cut off the skin.
Peel the potatoes before pureeing them.If you want roasted potato dishes that melt in your mouth, you should remove the peel.If you're making a cold potato salad, you may want to remove the peels so they don't separate from the potatoes.
Step 9: If you want to blend the potatoes into a soup, remove the skins.
If you're making a smooth soup, you should peel the potatoes.You'll get the silkiest consistency for a vichyssoise.If you want to make soups for picky eaters, try puréeing them.It is possible that picky eaters like the consistency of smooth soups.
Step 10: Take the peel off of potatoes that are turning green.
If potatoes turn green, they can become bitter and toxic.The potatoes have been exposed to light for a long time.It is important to peel the potatoes completely before cooking them.If you're serving the potatoes to kids, avoid using the green ones since children are more susceptible to the toxin in green potatoes.