Easy Boiled Red Potatoes with Butter: A Versatile & Delicious Side Dish

Simple, incredibly tasty, and remarkably quick to prepare, boiled red potatoes with butter offer a delightful side dish that complements almost any meal. Their inherent creaminess and thin, tender skins make them a favorite for busy weeknights or more elaborate gatherings. Beyond serving them fresh, hot, and glistening with butter, these humble potatoes also transform beautifully into future meals, becoming the perfect base for creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant potato salads, or even crispy home fries. This recipe celebrates the natural goodness of red potatoes, elevated by minimal ingredients and an effortless cooking method, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful addition to your table every time.

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Mastering the Art of Boiled Red Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating perfectly boiled red potatoes with butter requires just a handful of ingredients and a simple process, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks. You’ll need baby red potatoes, water, good quality butter, and kosher salt. While these core ingredients form a classic dish, don’t hesitate to elevate them with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or a dash of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing presentation.

Choosing the Best Red Potatoes for Boiling

Red potatoes come in various sizes, but for this specific dish, “baby red potatoes” are truly the star. These small, often bite-sized potatoes are sometimes referred to as “new potatoes,” which is a general term for any potato harvested early in its growth cycle when it’s still small and tender. While new potatoes can be any color, baby red potatoes specifically offer a distinctive thin, vibrant red skin that remains tender after cooking, eliminating the need for peeling. Their compact size means they cook remarkably fast, transforming into a tender, creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.

When selecting your red potatoes, look for ones that are firm to the touch, free of sprouts, green spots, or deep blemishes. A good cleaning is all they need before cooking; there’s no need to peel these beauties, as their skin is packed with nutrients and adds to their rustic charm.

The Simple Boiling Process: From Pot to Plate

Preparing these delicious potatoes is straightforward. Begin by thoroughly cleaning your baby red potatoes under cool running water, gently scrubbing away any dirt. There’s no need to peel them; the thin skin cooks down beautifully and adds flavor and nutrients. Place the cleaned potatoes into a large pot or saucepan. Ensure you use a pot that allows the potatoes to sit in a single layer or with minimal stacking to promote even cooking. Cover the potatoes with enough cold water so that they are submerged by at least an inch. Adding cold water is crucial; starting with hot water can cause the outside of the potato to cook faster than the inside, resulting in uneven texture.

Add a generous pinch of kosher salt to the water. Salting the water not only seasons the potatoes from the inside out but also helps prevent them from becoming waterlogged, enhancing their natural flavor. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a consistent, gentle boil. Avoid a vigorous rolling boil, which can cause the potatoes to break apart prematurely. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.

To test for doneness, you can gently pierce a potato with a fork or, as an even more precise method, use a thin probe like the one on a Thermopop thermometer. You’re not looking for a specific temperature, but rather for the probe to slide in and out of the potato with minimal resistance. This indicates the potato is perfectly cooked through without being mushy.

Seasoning and Serving Your Boiled Red Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander. For best results, return the hot, drained potatoes to the empty pot. This allows any residual moisture to evaporate, ensuring the butter adheres beautifully. Immediately add your butter and kosher salt to taste. Gently toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the melted butter and salt. The residual heat from the potatoes will quickly melt the butter, creating a luscious glaze.

If you desire additional flavor, now is the perfect time to incorporate other seasonings. Freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can elevate the dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a bright, zesty note that complements the richness of the butter.

This incredibly easy cooking method is not limited to just baby red potatoes. It works exceptionally well with other varieties such as fingerling potatoes or any type of new potatoes, regardless of their color. The key is to start with small, thin-skinned potatoes for quick cooking and a delightful texture.

Creative Variations & Flavor Enhancements

While classic butter and salt are sublime, boiled red potatoes are a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity:

• Herbaceous Delights: Beyond parsley and dill, consider fresh rosemary (finely chopped), thyme leaves, or snipped chives. These herbs infuse the potatoes with aromatic depth.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Toss the hot potatoes with a clove of minced fresh garlic, or a teaspoon of garlic powder, along with the butter. The heat will temper the garlic’s sharpness, leaving a wonderfully fragrant flavor.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle warmth and smoky note.
• Cheesy Goodness: After tossing with butter, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta for a savory twist.
• Tangy Twist: A splash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar at the end can brighten the flavor profile and add a pleasant tang.
• Roasted Finish: For a slightly crispy exterior, after boiling and tossing with butter and seasonings, you can transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet and roast them in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Potatoes

These versatile boiled red potatoes are a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of main courses. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared fish, or succulent pork chops. They also make a wonderful side for holiday meals or a comforting addition to a simple weeknight dinner. For a balanced meal, serve them alongside steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. Their simple elegance allows them to complement hearty dishes without overpowering them.

Storage and Repurposing Leftovers

Should you have any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cooked red potatoes reheat well in a microwave or gently in a pan on the stovetop. However, their true magic shines when they are repurposed into entirely new dishes:

• Speedy Mashed Potatoes: Simply mash the reheated potatoes with a little milk or cream, butter, and seasonings for instant mashed potatoes.
• Classic Potato Salad: Cut the cold boiled potatoes into bite-sized pieces and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onions, and hard-boiled eggs for a quick and easy potato salad.
• Crispy Home Fries: Slice or dice the cold potatoes and pan-fry them in a little oil or butter until golden brown and crispy for a fantastic breakfast side.
• Added to Soups & Stews: Leftover boiled potatoes can be cubed and added to hearty soups or stews during the last few minutes of cooking to add substance and flavor.

Tips for Boiled Potato Perfection

• Start Cold: Always start potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking from the inside out.
• Salt the Water: Don’t skip salting the boiling water; it’s essential for seasoning the potatoes properly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your potatoes enough space in the pot for even heat distribution.
• Gentle Simmer: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a furious boil, to prevent potatoes from breaking apart.
• Drain Thoroughly: Ensure all water is drained before seasoning to avoid a watery result.
• Season Hot: Add butter and seasonings immediately after draining while the potatoes are still hot so they absorb the flavors beautifully.

With these simple steps and creative ideas, boiled red potatoes with butter will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, offering comfort, versatility, and irresistible flavor with minimal effort.

Boiled Red Potatoes with Butter

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