Generally speaking, cut up potatoes take around 10-15 minutes to boil, but this can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. To give you a better idea, here's a rough guide: diced potatoes take around 10-12 minutes, while larger chunks can take up to 15-18 minutes. It's also worth noting that using a lid can help speed up the cooking process.
A good way to think about it is to compare it to cooking pasta. Just like how you need to check your pasta regularly to avoid overcooking, you'll want to check your potatoes periodically to ensure they're not becoming too mushy. And just as you wouldn't want to overcook your pasta, you wouldn't want to overcook your potatoes either - it's all about finding that perfect balance.
Now, you might be wondering why it's so important to get the cooking time just right. Well, undercooked potatoes can be unpleasantly crunchy, while overcooked potatoes can be unappetizingly mushy. And let's be real, who wants to serve a dish that's less than perfect? By paying attention to the cooking time, you can ensure that your potatoes turn out light and fluffy, just the way you like them.
To make things even easier, you can try using a timer to keep track of the cooking time. This way, you can set it and forget it, without having to constantly monitor the pot. And if you're feeling extra fancy, you can even try adding some aromatics to the pot, like garlic or rosemary, to give your potatoes an extra boost of flavor.
How To Boil Cut Up Potatoes