How To Peel Potato, The Right Way

Peeling potatoes is often seen as one of the most tedious kitchen tasks, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or gearing up for a big family feast, knowing how to efficiently peel potatoes can save you a lot of time and effort. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of techniques, tools, and tips to make peeling potatoes faster and more enjoyable.

Why Efficient Potato Peeling Matters

Before diving into the techniques, it’s worth understanding why mastering this skill is important. Potatoes are a staple in many households, featured in dishes ranging from mashed potatoes to fries, soups, and stews. With the frequency of their use, learning to peel potatoes quickly can significantly reduce prep time in the kitchen, allowing you to focus on cooking and enjoying the meal rather than on mundane tasks.

Tools

1. The Right Peeler

The type of peeler you use can make a world of difference. There are several types of peelers available, but the two most common are the swivel peeler and the Y-shaped peeler.

• Swivel Peeler: This peeler has a straight blade that swivels as you peel, which is excellent for getting into the curves and crevices of the potato. It’s a versatile tool that many home cooks prefer for its ease of use and effectiveness on various vegetables.
• Y-Shaped Peeler: As the name suggests, this peeler is shaped like a ‘Y’. It’s particularly good for straight peeling motions and is often faster for large quantities of potatoes. It provides a steady grip and is favored by many professional chefs.

2. Serrated Peeler

For those who struggle with smooth peelers, a serrated peeler can be a game-changer. It grips the potato skin better, reducing the chances of slipping, and works especially well with older or more irregularly shaped potatoes.

3. Paring Knife

While not as fast as peelers, a paring knife is excellent for peeling small potatoes or for cooks who are more comfortable with knives. It also comes in handy for removing blemishes and eyes after peeling.

Techniques to Peel Potatoes Quickly

1. Blanching Method

One of the quickest ways to peel a large batch of potatoes is to use the blanching method. Here’s how it works:

1. Boil Water: Start by boiling a large pot of water. The water should be enough to fully submerge the potatoes.
2. Prepare Ice Bath: While the water is boiling, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
3. Blanch the Potatoes: Drop the potatoes into the boiling water for about 45 seconds to 1 minute. You’re not cooking them, just loosening the skins.
4. Ice Bath: Quickly transfer the potatoes to the ice bath to stop them from cooking.
5. Peel: The skins should now slide off easily with just a little pressure. You can use your fingers or a paring knife to help remove the skin if necessary.

This method is perfect when you need to peel a large number of potatoes, as it significantly reduces peeling time.

2. Microwave Method

Another speedy method involves using a microwave:

1. Pierce the Potatoes: Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
2. Microwave: Microwave the potatoes on high for 2-3 minutes. This softens the skins without cooking the potato too much.
3. Peel: After microwaving, the skins will loosen, making it easier to peel them off by hand or with a peeler.

This method is especially useful when you’re only peeling a few potatoes and don’t want to deal with boiling water.

3. Peeling with a Drill

This technique is more unconventional but can be a lot of fun:

1. Attach a Brush to the Drill: Attach a clean, soft-bristled brush or scrubber to a cordless drill.
2. Scrub the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large bucket with some water, then use the drill to scrub the potatoes. The skins will come off with the scrubbing action.

This method is best for new potatoes or those with very thin skins and is perfect for large batches. While it might not be suitable for all kitchens, it’s an innovative solution for those who enjoy a bit of DIY.

Expert Tips for Peeling Potatoes Quickly

1. Soak Potatoes in Warm Water

Before peeling, soak your potatoes in warm water for a few minutes. This helps to soften the skins slightly, making them easier to peel. It also removes excess dirt and debris from the skin, which can dull your peeler.

2. Use a Potato Ricer

If you’re making mashed potatoes, you don’t necessarily need to peel them before cooking. After boiling, you can pass the potatoes through a ricer. The skin will stay in the ricer, leaving you with smooth, skin-free mashed potatoes.

3. Peel in Strips

Instead of trying to peel the entire potato in one go, focus on peeling in strips. This technique ensures that you apply even pressure, reducing the risk of cutting too deeply into the potato or wasting too much of the flesh.

4. Keep Your Tools Sharp

A dull peeler or knife is not only frustrating but also dangerous. Make sure to regularly sharpen your tools to maintain their efficiency. A sharp blade will peel more smoothly and with less effort.

5. Hold the Potato Firmly

When peeling, hold the potato in your non-dominant hand and keep it steady. This grip gives you better control and allows for quicker, more precise peeling.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Peeling Too Deeply

One common mistake is peeling too much of the potato along with the skin. This not only wastes food but also adds unnecessary time to the task. Practice peeling just the thin layer of skin, leaving the flesh intact.

2. Skipping the Wash

Always wash potatoes before peeling them. Dirt and debris on the skin can make peeling more difficult and can also dull your peeler. A quick rinse or scrub under running water will do the trick.

3. Ignoring Potato Size and Shape

Larger potatoes with smooth, regular shapes are generally easier to peel than small, irregularly shaped ones. When possible, choose potatoes that are easier to handle and peel.

Peeling potatoes doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, you can peel potatoes quickly and efficiently, leaving you more time to enjoy cooking and eating your meals. Whether you prefer the traditional method with a peeler or want to try something more innovative like blanching or using a drill, there’s a technique out there that can suit your needs. So, next time you’re faced with a pile of potatoes, you’ll know exactly how to tackle them in record time.