Steaming red potatoes is a healthy, easy way to cook potatoes that keeps nutrients intact more than other cooking methods. Steaming is also convenient for busy cooks, as you can simply set the controls and prepare another dish or the main course at the same time. Serve steamed red potatoes as is, mashed with or without skins or cooled in cold recipes like potato salad. When steaming red potatoes, use potatoes of similar size to ensure they are equally cooked.
Scrub the potatoes gently under cold running water with a wire brush that you use only for food. Allow the potatoes to drain in a colander in the sink for five to 10 minutes before patting them dry with paper towels to remove any excess debris.
Fill the bottom of the steamer with 1 cup of cold water, vegetable or chicken broth or stock or a mixture of chicken broth and white wine and any fresh or dried herbs or spices you want to use.
Place the potatoes in the steamer basket or on the steamer tray and put the top on the steamer.
Set the time and allow the potatoes to steam for 20 minutes without checking them. When the potatoes are finished cooking, they will gently break apart when you poke them with a fork.
Season the potatoes to taste with sea salt or kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Serve the potatoes immediately while hot or allow them to cool to room temperature or in the refrigerator for salads and cold dishes.