Master Recipe
Boiled Potatoes with Butter
serves 4
NOTE: Refer to the chart Estimated Boiling Time For Potatoes for
precise cooking times for potatoes of various size. If using
potatoes more than 2 inches in diameter, consider cutting them into
quarters in step 3 for maximum absorption of the seasonings and
ease of eating.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds small Red Bliss or new potatoes, scrubbed
Salt and ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place butter in medium serving bowl and set it aside to soften while preparing and cooking potatoes.
2. Place potatoes in 6-quart pot; cover with water and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer, stirring once or twice to ensure even cooking, until a thin-bladed paring knife or metal cake tester inserted into a potato can be removed with no resistance. Drain potatoes.
3. Cut potatoes in half, using a pair of tongs to steady hot potatoes and a sharp knife to cut them (see figure 6). Place halved potatoes in bowl with butter and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss again to blend. Serve immediately.
VARIATIONS:
Boiled Potatoes with Butter and Chives
Add 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh chives to potatoes with salt and pepper in step 3.
Boiled Potatoes with Lemon, Parsley, and Olive Oil
Replace butter with 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Add the minced zest of 1 lemon and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves to potatoes with salt and pepper in step 3.
Boiled Potatoes with Mustard, Shallots, and Tarragon
Fresh dill can be used in place of the tarragon if you prefer.
Blend 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into butter with fork or rubber spatula once butter has softened. Add 1 tablespoon minced shallots and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves to potatoes with salt and pepper in step 3.
ESTIMATED BOILING TIME FOR POTATOES
Depending on their size, small potatoes can take from 8 to 18 minutes to cook through. Use the following chart and, of course, test the potatoes with a paring knife as directed. To ensure even cooking, choose potatoes that are all the same size. The cooking time starts once the potatoes are covered and begin to simmer.
