Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using a vegetable peeler
• Tips
• Warnings

While your grandmother's peeler may seem indestructible, you may want to trade it in for a different method. In this article, we'll cover both the traditional way of peeling potatoes and one that makes it much, much easier - getting rid of the skin. Either way will work fine, and will peel your squeakers perfectly.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using a vegetable peeler

1. Hold the potato in one hand and the peeler in the other. Stand by the sink or trash can before peeling the potato. That way, the kitchen will not be littered with potato skins. There are two standard "variants" of peeler; this is how you hold them:
   • If you have a long vegetable peeler, hold it like a paint roller - with the thumb balancing the peeler in your fingers, but away from the blade.
   • If you have a Y-shaped peeler, hold it like a pencil. This method is more efficient and less likely to injure yourself. Rest the peeler between your middle finger and thumb, and use your index finger to hold the peeler in place.
2. Place your potatoes in a large pan with plenty of water. You want a pan that's big enough so that the potatoes are submerged and not too close together. Try to submerge the potatoes at least 2.5-5 inches.
3. Peel the potato. Apply light pressure with your fingers on the peel and it will come off right away - like a tablecloth. If you made a notch on the potatoes, you can put your thumb on that edge and pull the skin towards the ends.
   • Put the peels one at a time in the trash can (or in the appropriate bin next to you) to keep the ice water as clean and cold as possible.

Tips

• Save the skins and add them to soup or bake them. Potato skins are packed with vitamins and minerals and shouldn't be wasted.
• Use the sharp point of the peeler to remove the "eyes" from the potato. Stick the tip in the potato and turn your wrist.
• Once you have cooked the potato, consider eating the potato with the skin on - the skin contains important micronutrients.

Warnings

• Peelers are sharp. Pay close attention to how you hold the peeler, as the peeler can "jump" out of place if you hit a tricky spot.