How to Cook Fingerling Potatoes: A Simple Guide

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to cooking fingerling potatoes, choosing the right type of potato is crucial for achieving the best results. Fingerling potatoes are a type of new potato that have a thin skin and low starch content, which makes them ideal for roasting, grilling, or boiling. Here are some tips on how to choose the right fingerling potatoes:

Look for potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes or soft spots.
Choose potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Avoid potatoes that are green or have sprouts, as they may have a bitter taste and can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Consider the color of the potato, as different varieties can have different flavors. For example, purple fingerling potatoes have a slightly nutty flavor, while yellow fingerling potatoes are more buttery.

When shopping for fingerling potatoes, it’s important to keep in mind the specific recipe you plan to make. If you’re roasting the potatoes, you may want to choose a variety with a thicker skin to prevent them from falling apart in the oven. On the other hand, if you’re boiling the potatoes, a thinner-skinned variety may be easier to peel and cook more quickly.

Overall, choosing the right fingerling potatoes can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your dish. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re selecting the best potatoes for your recipe.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before cooking fingerling potatoes, there are a few preparation steps that should be taken to ensure the best results. Here are some tips:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure that it is hot enough to cook the potatoes thoroughly.
Wash and dry the potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Cut the potatoes: If desired, cut the potatoes into halves or quarters to reduce cooking time and ensure that they cook evenly. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
Season the potatoes: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will help to enhance their flavor and make them more enjoyable to eat.
Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan. This will also make cleanup easier.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your fingerling potatoes are properly prepared before cooking.

Ingredients Needed

To cook fingerling potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

Fingerling potatoes
Butter
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Garlic
Black pepper
Kosher salt
Thyme
Parsley
Rosemary
Parmesan cheese
Dried herbs
Unsalted butter
Lemon
Aioli
Honey mustard

Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before starting to cook. It’s important to note that the amount of each ingredient may vary depending on the recipe you’re using, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

To add flavor to your fingerling potatoes, consider using herbs such as thyme, parsley, and rosemary. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs for additional flavor. For a tangy twist, try adding lemon juice or aioli. Honey mustard can also be used to add a sweet and savory flavor to your potatoes.

When cooking with butter, it’s important to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the dish. Olive oil can also be used as a substitute for butter if desired.

Overall, having these ingredients on hand will help you create delicious and flavorful fingerling potatoes.

Roasting the Potatoes

To roast fingerling potatoes, I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (205°C). Then, I wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for added texture and flavor.

Next, I place the potatoes on a sheet pan and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I make sure to spread them out evenly on the pan to ensure they roast up evenly.

Once the oven is preheated, I place the sheet pan in the oven and let the potatoes roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy. I check on them halfway through and give them a quick toss to make sure they roast up evenly.

When the potatoes are done, they should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while still tender on the inside. I like to serve them immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Roasted fingerling potatoes make a great side dish for any meal, and they are easy to customize with different seasonings and herbs. Plus, they are a great way to add some color and variety to your plate.

Cooking with a Skillet

When it comes to cooking fingerling potatoes, using a skillet is one of my favorite methods. It’s quick, easy, and allows for a lot of versatility in terms of what you can pair with the potatoes.

To start, I like to heat up my skillet on medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Once it’s hot, I add my sliced fingerling potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. I let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

One of my favorite ways to serve these potatoes is with a seared pork chop. I’ll cook the pork chop in the same skillet after the potatoes are finished, using the leftover oil and seasoning from the potatoes to flavor the meat. The combination of the crispy potatoes and juicy pork chop is unbeatable.

Another great pairing for skillet-cooked fingerling potatoes is salmon. I’ll cook the salmon in a separate skillet with a bit of butter and lemon, and then serve it on top of the potatoes for a delicious and healthy meal.

Overall, cooking fingerling potatoes in a skillet is a great option for anyone looking for a quick and easy side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins.

Nutritional Information

As a health-conscious cook, I always make sure to consider the nutritional value of the ingredients I use. Fingerling potatoes are no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for fingerling potatoes:

Calories: One medium-sized fingerling potato contains about 70 calories.
Carbohydrates: Fingerling potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, with one medium-sized potato containing around 16 grams.
Fiber: These potatoes are also a good source of fiber, with one medium-sized potato providing around 2 grams.
Protein: While fingerling potatoes are not a significant source of protein, they do contain about 1 gram per medium-sized potato.
Fat: Fingerling potatoes are a low-fat food, with less than 1 gram of fat per medium-sized potato.
Sodium: One medium-sized fingerling potato contains only about 5 milligrams of sodium.
Potassium: These potatoes are a good source of potassium, with one medium-sized potato providing around 280 milligrams.
Vitamin C: Fingerling potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, with one medium-sized potato containing around 15% of the recommended daily value.
Calcium: These potatoes are not a significant source of calcium, with only about 10 milligrams per medium-sized potato.

Overall, fingerling potatoes are a nutritious choice for any meal. They are low in calories and fat, high in fiber and potassium, and a good source of vitamin C.

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover fingerling potatoes, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out. It is important to make sure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and causing the potatoes to spoil.

If I know that I won’t be able to eat the leftover potatoes within a few days, I will freeze them. To do this, I place the potatoes in a freezer-safe container and make sure that they are completely cooled before putting them in the freezer. When I am ready to eat them, I can simply thaw them out and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

It is important to note that frozen potatoes may not have the same texture as fresh ones, but they can still be delicious. I find that they work well in soups, stews, and casseroles.

Overall, storing leftover fingerling potatoes is easy and can help to reduce food waste. By using an airtight container or freezing them, you can enjoy them for days or even weeks to come.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving fingerling potatoes as a side dish for any meal. They go well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared fish. Here are some ideas for serving fingerling potatoes:

Garnish: I like to garnish my fingerling potatoes with fresh parsley or chives. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the dish. You can also use basil if you prefer.
Roasted Vegetables: Fingerling potatoes can be roasted with other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers. It makes for a colorful and flavorful side dish.
Potato Salad: You can use fingerling potatoes to make a delicious potato salad. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped celery. It’s a great side dish for picnics and barbecues.
Herb Butter: You can make a simple herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, and basil. Spread the herb butter over the cooked fingerling potatoes for a delicious and flavorful side dish.

Overall, fingerling potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or using them in a potato salad, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.