When it comes to boiling vegetables like potatoes and carrots, the cooking times can vary quite a bit depending on the size and quantity you are cooking. However, there are some general guidelines for how long potatoes and carrots take to boil that can help you estimate cooking times.
Quick Answer
For a general estimate, potatoes take about 15-20 minutes to boil while carrots take 10-15 minutes when cooking 1 pound or 500g of each vegetable. Smaller pieces will cook faster while larger, whole vegetables will take longer. Factors like altitude can also impact boiling times.
How Long Do Potatoes Take to Boil?
An average sized potato, around 6-8 ounces or 170-225g, will take 15-20 minutes to boil until fork tender. Smaller potatoes can cook in as little as 10 minutes while larger potatoes may need up to 30 minutes of boiling. Here are more specifics for common potato sizes:
- Small potatoes, 1-3 ounces or 28-85g: 10-15 minutes
- Medium potatoes, 4-6 ounces or 113-170g: 15-18 minutes
- Large potatoes, 8-12 ounces or 225-340g: 20-30 minutes
Russet or baking potatoes generally take a little longer to boil than small new potatoes or fingerlings since they are bigger and denser. Cutting potatoes into smaller, evenly sized pieces can help reduce boiling time.
Factors that Impact Boiling Time for Potatoes
There are a few key factors that can affect how long potatoes need to boil:
- Size and cut – Smaller potatoes and pieces will cook faster than larger, whole potatoes.
- Variety – Waxy potatoes like new or red potatoes boil a little quicker than starchy russets.
- Altitude – Higher altitudes increase boiling time due to lower atmospheric pressure.
- Quantity – Adding more potatoes to the pot will increase boiling time.
How Long Do Carrots Take to Boil?
On average, carrots take 10-15 minutes to become tender when boiled. Small carrots or carrot pieces will cook faster while larger carrots may take longer. Here are estimated boiling times for different sizes:
- Baby carrots, less than 1 inch wide – 7-10 minutes
- Small carrots, 1-1.5 inches wide – 10-12 minutes
- Medium carrots, 1.5-2 inches wide – 12-15 minutes
- Large carrots, over 2 inches wide – 15-20 minutes
Factors that Impact Boiling Time for Carrots
The main factors that determine how long carrots need to boil include:
- Size – Smaller carrots and pieces cook faster than larger, whole carrots.
- Shape – Sliced coins or diagonally cut carrots cook quicker than long spears.
- Altitude – Higher altitudes increase boiling time due to lower atmospheric pressure.
- Quantity – Adding more carrots to the pot will increase boiling time.
Tips for Boiling Potatoes and Carrots
Here are some tips to help ensure evenly cooked potatoes and carrots when boiling:
- Cut vegetables into similar sized pieces for even cooking.
- Start vegetables in cold water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Use at least 1 quart of water per pound of vegetables.
- Add a pinch of salt to season the water.
- Test vegetables for doneness frequently with a fork or knife tip.
- Drain immediately once vegetables are tender and return to pot with lid off for a minute or two to evaporate excess moisture.
How to Tell When Potatoes and Carrots Are Done Boiling
Checking doneness is important to make sure vegetables are fully cooked through without becoming mushy or overcooked. Here’s what to look for:
Potatoes Are Done When They:
- Are easily pierced through with a fork or knife tip
- Feel tender when squeezed gently
- Are crumbly around the edges if cutting into a piece
Carrots Are Done When They:
- Are fork or knife tender
- Can be easily pierced through with little resistance
- Are bright orange throughout when cut into
For very precise doneness, a digital kitchen thermometer can be used. Potatoes and carrots are fully cooked through at temperatures of 205°F to 210°F in the thickest part.
Boiling Times for Potatoes and Carrots at High Altitudes
Higher altitudes require adjusting boiling times for vegetables. At elevations over 3000 feet, water boils at lower temperatures which slows down cooking. Here are adjusted guidelines for high altitudes:
Altitude (feet) | Potato Boiling Time | Carrot Boiling Time |
---|---|---|
3000 | Add 1-2 minutes | Add 1 minute |
5000 | Add 3-4 minutes | Add 2 minutes |
7000 | Add 5-7 minutes | Add 3 minutes |
9000+ | Add 8-11 minutes | Add 4+ minutes |
For every additional 1000 feet over 3000 feet, plan to add 1-3 extra minutes to the boiling times for potatoes and carrots.
Conclusion
On average, potatoes take 15-20 minutes to boil and carrots take 10-15 minutes when cooking 1 pound batches. However, the specific size, quantity, and altitude can impact boiling times. Use a fork to frequently test doneness. Drain immediately once tender and let steam evaporate for perfectly cooked veggies. Adjust boiling times by adding 1-3 extra minutes per 1000 feet of elevation gain when cooking at high altitudes.