We have an easy trick for you to help you prepare the potatoes before cooking them. Simply scrub them with coarse salt, then rinse them with clean water. This way, you clean them without removing the thin skin.
To enhance the natural flavour and get the best result, do not be shy with the salt! A good trick to remember is that the water should be 'as salty as the sea'.
You should choose a pot that easily fits the potatoes and ensures even cooking, and only fill this with water so it just barely covers them.
If you are almost ready to cook up this delicious summer side dish, keep reading below to make sure you get the best result!
Small new potatoes
|
600 g |
---|---|
Lovage
|
2 sprigs |
Coarse salt
|
1½ tbsp |
Chives (optional)
|
1 bunch |
15 g |
As summer arrives, there is no better way to celebrate the season's bounty than by enjoying the simple yet delightful dish of boiled new potatoes. These small, tender potatoes, fresh from the soil, bring a deliciously sweet, slightly earthy flavour and tender, waxy texture to the table. They are a staple in summer cuisine, heralding the start of warmer days and lighter, fresher meals. Whether served as a side dish or as a main component, they easily elevate your summer recipes and meals. And, if you want, for an even more heavenly, summery experience, mix them gently with butter and chives.
While you are trying out new recipes, also take a look at our recipes for rosemary roasted potatoes, white asparagus, and a colourful burrata salad. They are all very easy to prepare and taste wonderful.
Perfectly boiled new potatoes are all about the right technique and timing. Rinse them, but leave the skin on − this is one of the secrets to their sweet, earthy flavour! The water for boiling should be salted, more than you might think necessary, and adding lovage gives them an inimitable aromatic quality. To ensure the skin is not ruined during boiling, make sure to let them only simmer and not boil too heavily. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the potatoes rest in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked yet firm and flavourful.
New potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. They are a classic accompaniment to fish, particularly grilled salmon on the BBQ. They also complement roasted or grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, providing a delightful contrast in textures. It is also delicious to pair them with a fresh, green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables.
Transform the new potatoes by enhancing their natural taste with fresh herbs. Lovage, with its celery-like flavour, is a traditional choice as it is great to add a subtle flavour while boiling. But you can also experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chervil, or dill to add varied dimensions of flavour. While lovage is ideal for boiling with the potatoes, the other herbs are best mixed with the finished potatoes with, for example, butter, crème fraiche, or a flavourful oil and vinegar dressing.
For a bolder twist, mixing the potatoes with green herb pesto or a bit of smoked cheese can create a delightful fusion of tastes. Herbs not only add flavour but also a splash of colour, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.