New potatoes

New potatoes

20 min
Kick off the summer season with boiled new potatoes. With their sweet and subtly earthy flavour and tender, waxy texture, they are a versatile and beloved staple in summer cooking. Ideal for both side and main dishes, they can elevate any summer meal. And though delicious in their natural, sweet flavour, you can make their natural deliciousness even better with a bit of butter and fresh chives.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/new-potatoes/

Instructions

  • Place the clean potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt and lovage.
  • Bring the potatoes to a boil and let them simmer for 6–8 minutes, depending on their size.
  • Turn off the heat and let them sit for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the water.
  • Optional: Finely chop chives and mix them into the warm potatoes along with butter.
Enjoy!
Tips

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.

Tips

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'.

Tips

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.

FAQ: Questions about new potatoes

If you are almost ready to cook up this delicious summer side dish, keep reading below to make sure you get the best result!

What are new potatoes?
New potatoes are young, small, thin-skinned potatoes harvested before they fully mature. They are known for their delicate skin and moist, waxy texture. Their flavour is subtly sweet and earthy, making them a cherished ingredient in summer cooking.
How long does it take to boil new potatoes?
Boiling new potatoes typically takes about 6–8 minutes, followed by a resting period of 5 minutes off the heat. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the size of the potatoes. It is crucial not to overcook them, so you should start checking them after 6 minutes. It is also important to let them sit after boiling since this will ensure even cooking, especially if they have different sizes. It also lets them firm up slightly and settle so they are not soft or mushy.
Can you freeze new potatoes?
You can freeze both raw and cooked potatoes, but we do not recommend it, as they will retain some moisture, which will make them lose both flavour and texture. If you want to do it anyway, to freeze raw potatoes, blanch them first for a few minutes, cool them quickly, and then freeze. Cooked potatoes can be frozen as they are. In both cases, store them in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain their quality.
What herbs go well with new potatoes?
Fresh herbs such as lovage, parsley, chervil, and dill complement fresh, new potatoes beautifully. These herbs add a fresh, aromatic flavour to the potatoes, enhancing their natural flavours without overpowering them. Chives are also great, adding a touch of onion flavour and complementing the mellow sweetness of the potatoes.
How to store new potatoes?
Always store raw potatoes in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh. Do not put them in the fridge, as it can change their texture and taste. If cooked, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
When are new potatoes available?
New potatoes are typically available in late spring and throughout the summer. They are one of the first signs of the summer harvest, which is also why they are also known as baby potatoes. They are best enjoyed fresh during this season.

Ingredients

Small new potatoes
600 g
Lovage
2 sprigs
Coarse salt
1½ tbsp
Chives (optional)
1 bunch
15 g

Welcome summer with boiled new potatoes

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.

The secret to boiling new potatoes

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.

What to serve with new potatoes?

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.

Use herbs to add flavour

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.