Can You Cook New Potatoes In The Microwave

Let's talk about potatoes. Specifically, new potatoes. You know, those little guys, fresh from the earth, so tender they practically whisper secrets about spring. Most of us have a go-to method for them. Roasting is lovely, boiling is classic, mashing is a hug in a bowl. But have you ever… dared to microwave them?

I know, I know. The fancy chefs are probably gasping right now. They’re picturing sad, rubbery spuds. They’re thinking about ruined dinners and culinary crimes. But hear me out, my friends. Sometimes, convenience is king. And sometimes, the simplest way is the most surprisingly effective way.

I’m here to champion the humble microwave. Yes, that box of whirring magic that usually heats up leftovers and makes popcorn explode. It can, and I believe it should, be invited to the new potato party.

Think about it. You’ve had a long day. The last thing you want is to preheat the oven for an hour. You’ve got a craving for those delicious little new potatoes, their skins so thin you can practically eat them. What do you do?

You grab your new potatoes. Give them a good scrub. No need to peel those beauties. That’s part of their charm. Then, you place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tiny splash of water. Just a little bit, enough to create some steam.

Cover the bowl. A plate will do, or some microwave-safe plastic wrap with a little vent. This is where the magic happens. You pop it in the microwave. Set the timer.

And then… you wait. It’s not a long wait. It’s a short, sweet wait. A wait that promises deliciousness without a whole lot of fuss.

When the timer pings, you carefully remove the bowl. Be cautious, it will be steamy! The potatoes should be tender. You can poke one with a fork. If it yields easily, you've done it!

Now, some might say, “But what about the texture?” And to those people, I say, “Have you truly tried this method?” The texture can be surprisingly good. It’s not the crispy skin of roasting, of course. But it’s a tender, yielding potato. It’s a potato that’s ready to soak up whatever deliciousness you throw at it.

Imagine these little microwaved gems. You can toss them with a knob of butter. A sprinkle of salt. Maybe some fresh chives. Or parsley. It’s simple. It’s elegant. And it took you approximately ten minutes from start to finish.

This is where the "unpopular opinion" part comes in, I guess. Because the internet, bless its cotton socks, is full of very strong opinions about cooking methods. Roasting is king. Sous vide is the future. Microwaving is… well, it’s often the villain.

But I’m here to rescue the microwave from its bad reputation, at least when it comes to new potatoes. It’s not about replacing your beloved roasting pan. It’s about having an option. A quick, easy option for when time is short and your potato craving is strong.

Think of the scenarios. A solo weeknight dinner. You just want a small portion of something delicious. No need to fire up the oven for just a few spuds. The microwave comes to the rescue!

Or perhaps you’re making a larger meal, but the potato component needs to be done now. You can get your new potatoes perfectly cooked and ready while you finish the rest of your dish. It's a multitasking marvel!

And the cleanup! Oh, the cleanup! A single bowl. Maybe a plate. Compared to a baking sheet covered in parchment paper and potato scraps. It’s a dream.

So, next time you see those little new potatoes in the grocery store, don't dismiss the microwave. Give it a chance. You might be surprised.

I’ve experimented with different wattages and cooking times, of course. It’s not rocket science, but a little trial and error helps. For a pound or so of small new potatoes, I usually find about 5-7 minutes at full power is a good starting point. You can always add another minute or two if they need it.

The key is to not overcook them. Nobody likes a mushy potato. But that’s true for any cooking method, isn’t it? We’re aiming for tender, not disintegrated.

And what about serving them? The possibilities are endless. As I mentioned, butter and herbs are a classic for a reason. But you can also toss them with a light vinaigrette for a quick potato salad. Or even just a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of chili flakes.

Some people like to add a clove of garlic to the steaming bowl. It infuses the potatoes with a lovely, subtle garlicky flavor. I’ve tried it, and it’s quite nice!

The skins are so delicate and edible. They hold all those lovely potato nutrients. So embrace them! Don’t waste them by peeling.

I’ve even heard of people par-cooking microwaved new potatoes before finishing them in a pan for a little bit of crispiness. It’s like a two-stage rocket of potato perfection!

It’s a method that’s perfect for students. For busy parents. For anyone who appreciates a delicious potato without a lot of effort. It's a gateway into cooking for those who might feel intimidated by more complex methods.

Let’s be honest, there’s a certain satisfaction in achieving something delicious with minimal fuss. It feels like a little culinary victory. A secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal.

So, go forth and microwave those new potatoes! Don’t let the purists scare you. Embrace the speed. Embrace the simplicity. Embrace the surprisingly delicious results.

You might just find yourself reaching for that microwave more often than you think. It's a humble appliance, but it can handle these little spuds with grace.

And who knows? Maybe one day, microwaving new potatoes will be the next big trend. You’ll be able to say you were there from the beginning. A true potato pioneer.

So, yes. You absolutely can cook new potatoes in the microwave. And you absolutely should.

Give it a whirl. You might just surprise yourself. And your taste buds.

It’s a fast, easy, and surprisingly satisfying way to enjoy those wonderful little potatoes. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Your future busy self will thank you.