The Perfect Way to Boil Potatoes for a Fluffy Texture
The Perfect Way to Boil Potatoes for a Fluffy Texture
How to Boil Potatoes So They Become Soft and Fluffy (‘Bun-na-neun’ Style)
This recipe teaches you how to boil potatoes to achieve a wonderfully fluffy and tender interior, known as ‘bun-na-neun’ in Korean. These potatoes will be so soft and moist, they’ll be incredibly delicious. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying snack!
Ingredients- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon Newton sugar (optional, can be substituted with granulated sugar)
- Water, enough to cover the potatoes by about 80%
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the 4 potatoes and peel them completely. Place the peeled potatoes in a pot, ensuring they are arranged nicely. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fine salt evenly over the potatoes to enhance their flavor.
Step 2
Next, add 1 teaspoon of Newton sugar. This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the potatoes beautifully. If you don’t have Newton sugar, regular granulated sugar is a suitable alternative.
Step 3
Now, pour fresh water into the pot. The water should cover about 80% of the potatoes, not completely submerge them. Using too much water can dilute the potato’s natural flavor.
Step 4
Put the lid on the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat for about 15 minutes. During this time, the heat will penetrate the potatoes, starting the cooking process. Keeping the lid on helps trap steam and cook them evenly.
Step 5
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the lid. Using a spatula or chopsticks, gently turn the potatoes over once. This step ensures that the potatoes cook evenly on all sides.
Step 6
Replace the lid and reduce the heat to low. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. Cooking on low heat allows the potatoes to become fluffy and tender on the inside without becoming mushy.
Step 7
After the second 15-minute period, check if the potatoes are done by inserting a chopstick or skewer into the center of one. If it slides in easily, they are cooked through. Drain all the remaining water. If the potatoes are still a bit firm, cover them again, turn the heat to very low, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before draining the water.
Step 8
Now for the ‘bun-na-gi’ (making them fluffy) step, which makes the potatoes exceptionally delicious. Turn the heat to very low or even off. Gently roll the potatoes around in the pot, being careful not to let them stick to the bottom. The goal is to evaporate any remaining surface moisture, creating that desirable fluffy texture.
Step 9
Ideally, you can gently shake the pot itself to roll the potatoes. However, if the pot is heavy or you have weaker wrists, you can use cooking tongs or a spatula to carefully roll each potato individually. This gentle rolling process helps dry out the interior, resulting in a perfectly fluffy consistency.
Step 10
Your fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes are ready! They should look white and powdery on the inside. Enjoy them as they are while warm, or serve with butter, honey, or your favorite condiments.
Step 11
Pro Tip: The slightly browned or caramelized bits that stick to the bottom of the pot are surprisingly delicious! Don’t discard them. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape them up and enjoy them with the potatoes. They add an extra layer of deep flavor and a delightful texture. Enjoy your meal! ^^
