Who can resist the allure of perfectly cooked mini potatoes? Enter salt potatoes – a delightful dish originating from upstate New York. But don’t be fooled, these little gems deserve to be enjoyed far and wide. Boiled with a generous amount of salt, they develop a crispy and salty exterior, while maintaining a wonderfully creamy interior. Served with melted butter and herbs, they make a fantastic side for any meal.
The Secret to Perfect Salt Potatoes
You might be wondering why anyone would want to boil potatoes in copious amounts of salt. Well, here’s the magic – when salt is added to the boiling water, it raises the temperature, resulting in a super-creamy inside and a deliciously flavorful, salt-crusted outside. But fear not, these potatoes are not overly salty. As they are boiled whole, the salt doesn’t penetrate the inside. And as a bonus, the super salty water boils really quickly too! So you can enjoy your salt potatoes in no time.
Serve them warm with a generous drizzle of melted butter and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top to elevate the flavors to another level.
Ingredient Notes
Potatoes
Mini potatoes are the perfect choice for salt potatoes. Whether you opt for yellow, red, or a combination of both, try to select potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. Boiling them whole is crucial to avoid excessive saltiness. However, if you prefer larger potatoes, boiling them whole is still an option, but they will require a longer cooking time.
Salt
Regular fine table salt or sea salt works perfectly in this recipe. If you prefer, you can use Kosher salt in the same amount. The standard ratio is approximately 2 tablespoons of salt for every cup of potato boiling water. However, you can adjust the salt quantity based on your preference.
Butter
Classic salt potatoes are best enjoyed with a simple touch of melted butter.
Herbs
While not traditional, adding fresh herbs to your salt potatoes can elevate the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs, or alternatively, dried herbs like parsley or chives would work as well.
Step-by-Step Photos
Although making salt potatoes is incredibly straightforward, you might be curious about the final result. After boiling, the potatoes will have a matte glaze and small salt crystals on the skin. Simply toss them in melted butter and herbs, if desired, and indulge in the irresistible combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use large potatoes and just cut them up?
I’m afraid not. To maintain the perfect balance of flavors, it is essential to use whole potatoes. Cutting them might result in excessive saltiness. However, if you prefer larger potatoes, you can boil them whole, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! You can start with any quantity of potatoes you desire. Just ensure that the water level covers the potatoes in the pot, and then add 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons of salt for every cup of water used.
Can I make these in an Instant Pot?
Indeed! You can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot. Try cooking the small potatoes for 2-3 minutes on high pressure, followed by a 15-minute natural release. Then vent the pressure, drain the potatoes, and enjoy.
Do these taste really salty?
Not at all. Since these potatoes are boiled whole, the salt only creates a thin film and imparts a subtle flavor to the skin, without transferring to the interior.
Other Ways to Enjoy Salt Potatoes
While traditional salt potatoes are simply boiled, drained, and tossed in melted butter, there are other creative ways to savor these delightful spuds. These suggestions are particularly handy when you have leftover salt potatoes, whether seasoned with butter or not:
- Smash and fry them up in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. For an extra indulgence, add some bacon to the mix. Load them up with cheese and sour cream for a truly satisfying treat.
- After boiling and draining, smash the potatoes, place them on a baking sheet, and bake in a hot (425°F) oven until crispy (approximately 10-15 minutes).
- Leave the potatoes whole after boiling and pop them into an air fryer until they become irresistibly crispy.
More Potato Recipes You Might Like
If you’re a potato lover, we’ve got you covered. Check out these delicious potato recipes for more inspiration.
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