Place the potatoes in a saucepan in which they fit comfortably in a single layer. Add enough cold water to cover by 1 or 2 inches. Bring to a boil; add a sprinkling of salt.
Boil the potatoes gently, uncovered, until they are tender when pierced with a knife blade or a fork, usually about 15 minutes. Drain in a colander. Serve, topping each portion with a pat o