[GillyHen]

Twice I've boiled some fresh Charlottes, and both times it has been a near miss to spoiling them - the skins have started to split away from the main body - yet they aren't overcooked throughout - any particular reason for this? Do they need a more gentle simmering?

[farmersue]

Try steaming them instead. My new spuds were breaking up too when i boiled them, but i read on here to steam them and it works.

[peapod]

I had the same last year with International Kidney, so am taking the advice this year about steaming them

[peterjf]

bring them to boil then simmer , keep an eye on the spuds , they cook quicker then shop bought

[Plottered]

much better to steam them imho

[galen]

Just the question I wanted to ask, as it sounds like my Charlottes ! I put it down to over enthusiastic boiling and will try steaming them next time.

They still tasted very nice though 

[sclarke624]

Stupid question............how do you steam potatoes, I've never done it.

[Paul Plots]

Stupid question............how do you steam potatoes, I've never done it.

You are joking, aren't you clarke624?

Stick them in a "steamer".... and the other veg in the next section up of the same steamer. Saves gas / electric and also helps retain more of the nutrients as the food is not actually in the water but is cooked by its steam.

I've just googled "steamer" and there are some very posh & expensive types (electric)....

We have the old fashioned traditional sort - a 2 handled pan that goes on the gas, on top of that a slightly smaller pan with holes in the bottom (where the spuds / veg goes) followed by a second similar pan and then the lid. All heated by one gas ring so economical and the food retains more of its taste and goodness. 

You were pulling my leg?? You have heard of them haven't you 

[sclarke624]

  :DNo I've never steamed veg.  But I had a google as well and I have seen a steamer before but only in housecraft when I was at school.  I also see you can get a fan thing you put in the saucepan, seen them in lakeland now I come to think of it, although Robert Dyas may be cheaper.  Wonder if the lid has to be really heavy though.

Maybe microwaveing (how do you spell that) WHICH I have done, would be just as good.

I make a wicked bolegnaise if thats a redeeming feature at all.

[peapod]

Only if you give the recipe (with the secret ingredient of course  )

[sclarke624]

 
The secret ingrediant is NOOO baked beans init.

[BobandJack]

If you haven't got a steamer just use a colander over a pan of water with a lid on.  Once you start steaming vetg you'll never go back to boiling them, steaming is way, way nicer.

[corndolly]

Sian you took the words from my fingertips. I use a colander for steaming, its the best way to cook veg ! imho .

[kermit]

Colander works fine.  I bought a £5 plastic thing from John Lewis the other week - its great - fits any pan, well worth it.  Wont go back to boiling any veg now.  Stuff like spinach and brocoli is just so much tastier and better for you!

[mark.carline]

Can i recommend a tiered pan system.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kitchen-Craft-KCCVSTEAM20-Three-Steamer/dp/B0001IWY9Q

You put water in the bottom section and the you have two pan inserts that then fit into the top with a lid.

Much better than a colinder as the steam stays in the pan and it cooks quicker.

Veg is never the same again