Don't Toss That Potato Water–Make and Use it in Cooking (2024)

FAQs

What can you do with leftover potato water? ›

Potatoes are also filled with more bloat-blocking potassium than a banana. You'll also find protein, B6 vitamins, and iron packed inside the spuds — all of which seeps out as you boil them, turning the water into a nutritious liquid. You can get all of those health benefits by using potato water in different recipes.

You can also use potato water to make a basic gravy without having to add any thickeners. Pour the hot potato water into a pan, add a broth base from whatever meat you're cooking, and add your favorite seasonings. The gravy will have a creamy consistency and be just as delicious as any other!

The higher the starch level in your bread dough, the more tender your resulting bread will be. And a great way to add starch to your bread is in the form of potatoes: cooked and mashed; dried (in the form of potato flour or flakes); or even simply by using the water in which you've boiled potatoes.

Several gardening sources suggest that using water from boiling potatoes, for use in watering plants is beneficial. This makes sense, as potatoes are nutrient-rich with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

You can thicken a broth, soup, or stew by using potato water rather than plain water, again avoiding using flour if you are eliminating gluten. Some people even like to turn potato water into a broth by adding celery salt, black pepper, and a little bouillon. Don't toss the potato water–look for ways to put it to use.

ATK even have developed a recipe where they add cornflour to the pasta water during cooking to create that starchiness, both in the liquid and as a coating on the pasta. Your potato water will do just fine. Don't forget to salt the water.

Dense potatoes don't absorb seasonings easily, so you'll need to salt the water liberally so that the water the potatoes do drink up also carries in seasoning. And because potatoes are so timid in flavor, they need that salt to bring them out of their shells. Pour some salt in, then keep going.

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

The Vinegar Trick

In his recipe, López-Alt shares his secret for perfectly cooked potatoes every time: Adding vinegar to the water (specifically, 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 1 quart of water) prevents overcooking. This one tip has transformed potato salad for Kristina Razon, the Senior Food Editor at Kitchn.

Is potato water good for hair? ›

Adds Luster: Potato juice helps in closing your hair cuticles, giving your locks an added shine and texture. Conditions Hair: The many nutrients in potato juice keep your hair and scalp moisturized and conditioned, reducing dryness. This also helps in treating dandruff, itchiness and flakiness.

Meanwhile, the alkaline water helps the exteriors of the potatoes break down more, creating much more of the starchy slurry that leads to an extra-crisp exterior. About a half teaspoon of baking soda for two quarts of water was the right amount.

Potato juice is used in some European countries as an antacid, and the results of at least one study suggest that freshly squeezed potato juice may improve symptoms of indigestion. Potato juice may also have beneficial effects on inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

Yes, potato juice can be used daily on the face, especially for addressing concerns like dark circles, hyperpigmentation, or dullness. However, it's best to start with using it a few times per week and gradually increase the frequency if your skin tolerates it well.