What's the best way to cook potatoes?

Question

I want to make potato chese soup, with instant potato flakes, milk, shredded cheese, cooked potato chunks, and some kind of veggie like peas. Does this sound good? And how should I cook the potato? In the microwave? Or boil it in water on the stove?

Thanks for the tips and good ideas! Here's the final recipe:

Peel and dice three small potatoes (I used russet potatoes), and cut one carrot into thin slices. In a small saucepan, boil potatoes and carrot in just enough water to cover them (about 1 1/2 cups I think) until soft. Do not mash, so not drain. Add about 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 Tbsp margarine. Slowly stir in instant potato flakes until soup reaches desired consistency. (I think I added between 1/3-1/2 cup, and the soup was very thick.) Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and mixed in. Add pepper and seasoned salt (and whatever else) to taste.

Makes one bowl full of soup, serves one.

Answer 1

boil it. i find that the best way.. for potato soup.

i like to make potato soup with idaho potatoes (i leave the skin on yum :D he he) and i boil them with some margarine... a wince of garlic and a little onion... enough for taste preference.

then boil it til the potatoes are very soft.. then mash them.. add milk to your preference... what type of milk also is up to you... ( usually don't drain the water.. i like the water it's cooked in.. very meaty flavor from the potatoes.

i stir until the soup is at a consistancy i prefer... then turn on the heat again and allow the soup to warm back up in case it's cooled due to the milk additive.

i normally just top the cheese on the soup but if you so wish to make the cheese part of the soup.. do as mentioned above then stir in cheese (grated so it will evenly melt through out the soup) and stir until you've got the cheese consistancy the way you prefer in the amounts you prefer... you should have the fire on low in a (what i like) cast iron pan OR whatever is your preference.

sometimes i add instant potato flakes to the combo later for consitantcy or to increase the amount or add some firmness to the soup... again.. while it's hot and add water, margarine, milk to your liking.

it's best to boil the potatoes in my opinion it'll be meatier... tastier and you can have a very smooth soup if you do it this way in lesser time. potatoes are pretty hearty.. microwaves and potatoes (in my opinion) still don't like one another and the microwave just doesn't do the potato justice.

Answer 2

I would boil them in a little salted water that would probably taste best, microwaving would be ok and quick. I would use Broccoli or carrots.

Check out my recipe for Baked Potato Soup

4 baked potatoes, let them cool, then diced into chunks
1 bag shredded Cheddar cheese or whatever you prefer (11/4 cup)
1 bunch of green onion or chives, chopped
4-5 strips of bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled ( I use a little more)
2/3 c flour
2/3 c butter
1 c sour cream
5-7 c milk ( the more milk the soupier, the less milk chunkier)
salt & pepper to taste

Add all ingredients together except milk ( you can add your veggie at this pointe----broccoli, carrot) gradually add milk and stir until the mixture becomes thick and everything is heated through.

Serve with a sprinkle of cheese/bacon/chive or green onion over the top of each bowl

Answer 3

I would boil the potato chunks in the soup as I'm cooking it. You can also put it in crock pot and by the end of the day everything would be done and your house will smell heavenly. I'd also used small diced carrots as opposed to peas. Sounds good though.

Answer 4

Instead of instant potato flakes, use fresh boiled(mashed)or baked & mashed potatoes.
Take hiken broth, boil & add potatos,milk,any other veggies like peas or whatever u want. Bring to a boil, add heese.
Bake pot, alternately if u dont want to boil,that way the vitamins r retained too.

Answer 5

Instant potato flakes? <> Use real potatoes. Boil them in water on the stove for 15 minutes.

Answer 6

Boil them in lightly salted water, and this sounds like a great recipe. Good luck!

Answer 7

boil the potatoes , 86 the potato flakes the cheese and the potatoes should thicken it enough

Answer 8

That sounds good and yes, I would boil them. Can make it a bit tastier if you use chicken broth instead of water.

Answer 9

Wrap in foil and leave in the sun for 5 hours. Delicious.

Answer 10

boil up extra refridgerate the extra grate then into hasbrowns or slice and fry em