Do you have to cut potatoes before par boiling?

You don't have to cut potatoes before parboiling, but it's often recommended. Here's why:

Cutting potatoes for parboiling:

* Faster cooking: Smaller pieces of potato cook more quickly and evenly, which is especially useful if you're planning to roast or fry them after parboiling.

* More even cooking: Parboiling larger whole potatoes can leave the center raw while the outside becomes mushy. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps ensure consistent doneness.

Parboiling whole potatoes:

* Easier to handle: Whole potatoes are easier to handle in boiling water, especially if they're large.

* More flavor: Some cooks believe that parboiling whole potatoes preserves more of their natural flavor.

Ultimately, the decision to cut or not cut potatoes before parboiling comes down to personal preference and the recipe you're using.

Here are some general guidelines:

* For roasting: Cut into large chunks or wedges for faster cooking.

* For frying: Cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and more even browning.

* For mashed potatoes: Parboiling whole potatoes, then peeling and mashing them, works well.

Important note: Whether you cut or not, make sure to pierce the potatoes with a fork before parboiling to prevent them from exploding in the hot water.