POTATOES are a food we enjoy all year round, and although we prepare them in countless ways, one professional chef reveals a technique that guarantees perfect results, especially if you want to achieve that irresistible crunch. The secret, believe it or not, lies in the microwave, writes The Kitchn .
Many people underestimate the microwave oven and consider it a tool for inexperienced or lazy cooks, but that’s a big mistake. This device can be a real lifesaver in the kitchen, and is especially useful when preparing potatoes. Its biggest advantage is that it ensures that the potatoes are cooked evenly and completely, without the risk of burning on the outside while still raw on the inside.
Why put potatoes in the microwave first?
Potatoes are very dense, which isn’t a problem if you’re cooking them in a stew or baking them with chicken, where they have plenty of time to soften. However, when you want crispy fries from the pan, it’s difficult to get them fully cooked without the outer layer becoming too dark and dry. That’s where the microwave comes in.
It starts the cooking process from the inside, heating the moisture in the potato itself. Unlike the heat of a pan, which works from the outside in, microwaves penetrate evenly. When you place a partially cooked potato on a hot pan, by the time it has a perfect golden brown crust, its interior will be perfectly soft.
Step-by-step preparation process
This technique was popularized by professional American chef J. Kenji López-Alt in his book “The Food Lab,” and you can apply it to any recipe with potatoes to shorten cooking time.
Prepare the potatoes as you would for the recipe – peel and cut into desired shapes. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a lightly dampened paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
Microwave on high until the potatoes are slightly tender. They don’t need to be fully cooked. The time depends on the quantity and power of the appliance, but for about 450 grams of potatoes, it usually takes 5 to 6 minutes. Then, continue with the preparation according to the recipe, for example, frying in a pan. You will be surprised by the speed and perfect crispness.
Additional tips for best results
This trick works with all types of potatoes, including sweet potatoes. Adjust the cooking time according to the size and shape of the pieces – larger pieces will take a little longer. You can apply the technique to both peeled and unpeeled potatoes. Finally, be careful when removing the plate from the microwave as it will be very hot, so be sure to use an oven mitt.
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