Soaking potatoes in water is a common technique used to remove some of the starch before cooking. This can help produce potatoes with a lighter, fluffier texture. The starch in potatoes that leaches out into the water during soaking can make dishes like mashed potatoes gluey or gummy if not properly removed. Knowing how long to soak potatoes can ensure you get the best results.
What is starch and why remove it?
Starch is a carbohydrate found naturally in many foods including potatoes. In potatoes, starch granules are found in the cells that make up the potato flesh. When potatoes are cooked in water, the starch granules absorb water and swell. This causes them to leach out of the potato cells into the surrounding water.
Some reasons people soak potatoes before cooking include:
- Removing excess starch helps prevent gluey mashed potatoes
- Can reduce the total carbohydrate content for low-carb diets
- Allows potatoes to better absorb other flavors added during cooking
- Results in fluffier, lighter potatoes
Removing all the starch would make the potatoes inedible. A short soak helps reduce the amount of free starch to optimal levels for light and fluffy potatoes.
Factors that affect required soaking time
Several factors impact how long you need to soak potatoes to remove sufficient starch:
Potato type
Some types of potatoes naturally contain more starch than others. High starch potatoes like Russets may need longer soaking than low starch red or yellow varieties.
Potato size
Larger potatoes take longer to soak than smaller ones. Halve or quarter very large potatoes to shorten the time needed.
Water temperature
Warm water can leach out starch faster than cold. However, soaking in hot water over 140°F starts to cook the potatoes and should be avoided.
Agitation
Gently stirring the potatoes halfway through soaking helps remove more starch versus letting them sit.
| Factor | Impact on Soaking Time |
|---|---|
| High starch potatoes | Longer soak time needed |
| Large potatoes | Longer soak time needed |
| Warm water vs. cold | Warm water decreases time |
| Agitation | Decreases time |
Recommended minimum soaking times
Based on the various factors, the recommended minimum soak times for potatoes are:
Small potatoes (1-3 oz):
- Cold water soak: 30 minutes
- Warm water soak: 15 minutes
Medium potatoes (4-7 oz):
- Cold water soak: 1 hour
- Warm water soak: 30 minutes
Large potatoes (8+ oz):
- Cold water soak: 2 hours
- Warm water soak: 1 hour
For high starch potatoes like Russets, increase each soak time by 30-60 minutes. Quarter very large potatoes before soaking to reduce the time needed.
Soaking and cooking steps
Follow these steps for soaking and cooking potatoes optimally:
- Wash and peel potatoes (optional) and cut into same size pieces.
- Place potato pieces in bowl and cover with cold or warm water. Amount of water should be 3-4 times the volume of potatoes.
- Soak for minimum recommended time based on size and potato type.
- Drain potatoes well in a colander. Potatoes should not feel slimy after draining.
- Pat dry with paper towels or clean dish towel.
- Cook potatoes as desired in recipe.
Optionally, you can gently stir the potatoes halfway through soaking to remove more starch. Avoid over-soaking longer than needed as potatoes will lose flavor and become waterlogged.
Do potatoes need to be soaked?
While soaking isn’t strictly necessary, it can improve the texture of dishes like mashed potatoes. Some benefits of soaking potatoes include:
- Prevents gummy mashed potatoes
- Helps potatoes absorb flavors from oils, butter, and spices
- Allows for fluffier, lighter potatoes
- Can slightly reduce total carbs
If your recipe already includes heavy cream, butter, or other ingredients, soaking may not be needed. The extra fat and liquids may sufficiently counter the starch for a smooth texture.
Skipping the soaking step reduces preparation time. Potatoes can be cooked directly after peeling and cutting. However, the texture is often not as ideal. Test recipes both ways to see if soaking makes a noticeable difference.
Soaking potatoes too long
Over-soaking is possible if potatoes are left in water longer than required. Signs of too much soaking include:
- Potatoes feel slimy or waterlogged
- Lack of potato flavor
- Mushy cooked texture
- Disintegration of potato pieces
To avoid over-soaking, set a timer and don’t exceed the recommended time for the type and size of potato used. Also avoid adding more water during soaking as this can dilute potato flavor.
Potatoes that are waterlogged from over-soaking may fall apart during cooking. But they can still be drained thoroughly and mashed with added butter or milk to get an acceptable texture.
Storing soaked potatoes
For best quality and texture, soaked potatoes should be cooked shortly after draining. Leaving them to sit soaked for longer than a few minutes can cause exterior surfaces to become mushy.
If you need to hold soaked potatoes for 1-2 hours before cooking, here are some tips:
- Pat dry with towels after draining to remove excess moisture on the surface.
- Place in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate, without overlapping.
- Refrigerate until ready to cook.
The chilled temperature of the refrigerator will help firm the potatoes up. Avoid stacking them or leaving them out at room temperature.
For longer storage, dried potatoes can be placed in a bowl or zip top bag and refrigerated up to 24 hours before use.
Best uses for soaked potatoes
Soaking potatoes helps remove excess starch to ensure the best textures for these dishes:
- Mashed potatoes – Prevents gluey texture
- Potato pancakes and fritters – Helps bind without getting gummy
- Potato salad – Lightens the mayonnaise dressing texture
- French fries – Can help reduce dark frying color
- Hasselback potatoes – Allows better absorption of butter and oil
The reduced starch content after soaking also suits recipes where you want the potato flavor to shine through. Fried or roasted whole potatoes develop a delicious caramelized flavor.
Should new potatoes be soaked?
New potatoes have a lower starch content and thinner skins compared to mature storage potatoes. They can often be used without soaking, but a brief soak may still improve texture.
Soak new potatoes up to the minimum times:
- Small new potatoes – Soak 15-30 minutes
- Medium new potatoes – Soak 30-60 minutes
Since the skins are delicate, be gentle when draining and drying to avoid tearing the skin. New potatoes soaked briefly absorb seasonings and dressings exceptionally well.
Conclusion
Soaking potatoes in water ahead of cooking can help reduce excess starch for better potato textures. Recommended soaking times range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on potato size and type. Small or low starch potatoes need less time. Warm water can decrease the time needed. But avoid over-soaking which can ruin potato flavor and texture. For best results, drain, dry and cook soaked potatoes soon after soaking. With the right timing, soaking can take potato dishes to the next level.