Benefits of choosing to cook chat potatoes
Learning how to cook chat potatoes brings a bunch of benefits to your cooking arsenal. While cooking with any type of potato has its benefits, chats happen to be one of the best potatoes for roasting.
Handy, easy to roast size
Chat potatoes are typically golf-ball sized, which means they cook rapidly – an ideal option for quick meals. Additionally, their thin skin usually means you won’t have to worry about peeling.
The uniform shape and size of chat potatoes ensures even cooking – a significant advantage when roasting or frying.
Fantastic texture
The texture of cooking with chat potatoes is hard to beat. They’ve got a creamy heart but a crispy, moreish exterior.
And with their ability to absorb flavours, they pair well with almost any herbs and spices in the average Australian kitchen. Whether they are roasted or boiled, they consistently provide excellent results.
Versatility
Versatility is another strong attribute of chat potatoes. They can be boiled, roasted, added to salads or stews – their earthy taste allows them to blend well in any dish while still maintaining their own distinct flavour.
Best ways to cook chat potatoes
Roasting
If you’re after a side dish with a satisfying crunch and a fluffy interior, roasting your chat potatoes is the way to go.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C.
- Toss your cleaned (and halved, if desired) chat potatoes in olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs and spices. A classic mix of rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper works wonders.
- Spread them out on a baking tray, making sure each potato has its own space.
- Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Expect a delightful crunch as you bite into these roasted beauties, followed by a creamy, tender interior that’s packed full of flavour from your chosen seasonings.
Boiling
Boiling chat potatoes yields a softer texture, making them perfect for mashing or tossing in a salad.
- Place your cleaned chat potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. The water level should be about an inch above the potatoes.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
Boiled chat potatoes offer a wonderfully tender, buttery texture with a mild, earthy flavor that makes them a versatile addition to various dishes.
Salads
Chat potatoes make a great addition to salads, adding a hearty element that’s satisfying yet not overwhelming.
- Start by boiling your chat potatoes as per the steps above.
- Once your potatoes are boiled and cooled, cut them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Toss them in a salad with your favourite ingredients. They pair wonderfully with crispy bacon, fresh herbs, tangy dressings, and even other roasted veggies!
The chat potatoes in your salad will provide a tender, creamy bite that beautifully balances out the other textures in your dish.
Tips to help you learn how to cook chat poatoes
When cooking with chat potatoes, keep these tips in mind:
Keep the size uniform if cutting
If you’re cutting your chat potatoes before cooking, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking. If some bits are too small and some are too big, you’ll end up with some being undercooked and others overcooked.
Season generally
Chat potatoes absorb flavours wonderfully, so don’t be shy with your seasonings. Whether you’re roasting or boiling, a good pinch of salt and your favourite herbs will go a long way.
Give them space
When roasting chat potatoes, make sure each spud has its own space on the baking tray. This will ensure they all get crispy and golden.
Test them for 'doneness'
Use a fork to check if your potatoes are cooked through. It should slide in easily if they’re done.
Get creative
Chat potatoes are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment. Try different herbs, spices, or even cheese to make your chat potatoes uniquely delicious.
Steps on how to cook chat potatoes
The preparation of chat potatoes is a straightforward process that begins with a thorough cleaning. These small potatoes can sometimes have residual dirt, which can be easily removed with a gentle rinse.
To clean, place the chat potatoes in a colander or large bowl. Run them under cold water and gently scrub with a clean, soft brush to eliminate any dirt or debris. The skin of these potatoes is thin and fragile, requiring careful handling during cleaning.
After cleaning, inspect each potato for green spots, sprouts, or bruises. If any are found, they can be removed with a small knife. However, such occurrences are infrequent with chat potatoes.
One key advantage of chat potatoes is that peeling isn’t required. Their thin skin enhances the texture of dishes and is rich in nutrients. Therefore, once clean, they are ready for cooking without any further preparation.
If a recipe specifies the potatoes to be halved or quartered, this is the point to do so. It’s important to keep the pieces relatively uniform for even cooking.
Best recipes to try cooking with chat potatoes
The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Ever Recipe
This roast potatoes recipe from J. Kenji López-Alt is absolutely unreal. Of course, it calls for yukon golds, but chat potatoes are a good alternative to Yukon golds if you’re in Australia.
Truly Crunchy Roast Potatoes
Nagi at RecipeTinEats has some recipes that are impossible not to drool over (actually, they’re all fantastic). But this recipe for truly crunchy roast potatoes is a great use for chat potatoes and is definitely worth a go!
