How to Make Potatoes Less Salty

Oversalted potatoes? Don't worry, there are several ways to fix this common cooking mishap! The key is dilution and absorption.

The best approach depends on the form of your potatoes (mashed, roasted, etc.). Here are effective solutions:

1. Dilution with Liquid and/or More Potatoes:

• For mashed potatoes, adding more liquid like milk, buttermilk, or even plain water can dilute the saltiness. Similarly, incorporating more unseasoned mashed potatoes will reduce the salt concentration. (EatingWell, Allrecipes)
• Consider adding other neutral-flavored vegetables like mashed cauliflower or root vegetables to increase volume and lessen the salt's intensity. (EatingWell)

2. Absorption with Additional Potatoes:

• If you're dealing with a salty potato dish like soup or stew, adding raw potatoes can help absorb excess salt. Simmer the potatoes until they are cooked through, then remove them. The potatoes will effectively draw out some of the salt. (The Kitchn, Reddit)

3. Creamy Additions:

• Incorporating ingredients high in fat or sugar, such as whipping cream, can help to balance out the saltiness, though this may alter the taste and texture. (Reddit)

4. Repurposing Over-Salted Potatoes:

• If the potatoes are still somewhat firm, you might be able to incorporate them into another dish where the saltiness would be less noticeable. Consider pureeing them into a soup or adding them to a casserole with strong flavors. (Food52)

Remember to taste and adjust accordingly. Start with small additions to avoid over-correcting. Sometimes, the best solution is to simply add more ingredients to balance the flavors and dilute the salt.