Start your day with these irresistibly crunchy homemade hash browns, a classic breakfast favorite. Perfectly golden and crispy, these hash browns are simple to make and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. Follow this easy recipe to create the perfect side dish for your breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients:
- 14 oz (400 g) potatoes
- 2 oz (50 g) onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅔ teaspoon salt
- 3 fl oz (80 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and shred them using a grater or food processor. Place the shredded potatoes in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and let soak for 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, enhancing their crispiness.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Use a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your hash browns will be.
- Mix Ingredients: Return the dried potatoes to the bowl. Add the chopped onion, all-purpose flour, egg, red chili flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Hash Browns: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron for even heat distribution) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potato mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Press down lightly with a spatula to compact the mixture.
- Fry Until Crispy: Cook the hash browns for 5-7 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan, and avoid moving the hash browns too much as they cook.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like ketchup, sour cream, or a fresh poached egg.
Tips for Perfect Hash Browns:
- High Starch Potatoes: Use high-starch potatoes like Russets for the best results as they fry up crisper and golden.
- Consistent Thickness: Ensure your hash browns are evenly spread in the pan to cook uniformly.
- Undisturbed Cooking: Let the hash browns cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This helps form a crust and prevents breaking.
Serving Suggestions:
To make your homemade hash browns even more enjoyable, consider these versatile and creative serving options:
- Breakfast Platter: Combine your crispy hash browns with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a slice of toasted multigrain bread for a traditional full breakfast. This combination offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
- Brunch Buffet: Hash browns are a fantastic addition to a brunch buffet. Pair them with a selection of quiches, fresh salads, and a fruit platter to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
- With a Dip: Serve your hash browns with a variety of dips such as spicy sriracha mayo, classic ketchup, creamy ranch dressing, or a homemade chive and sour cream dip. This can turn them into a fun and interactive appetizer or snack.
- As a Side Dish: Hash browns can complement many main dishes beyond breakfast. Serve them alongside grilled meats, fish, or a vegetarian main course for lunch or dinner to add a satisfying crunchy element.
Nutrition Information:
Understanding the nutritional aspects of hash browns can help you integrate them into your diet in a healthy way:
- Calories and Fats: While delicious, hash browns are fried, which significantly increases their calorie and fat content. To reduce this, consider using less oil or opting for alternative cooking methods like baking or air frying, which can decrease the amount of absorbed oil.
- Carbohydrates: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. However, they are also high in starch, which can impact blood sugar levels. Choosing to pair hash browns with fiber-rich foods or proteins can help balance this effect.
- Protein: Adding an egg to the hash brown mixture does provide some protein, but consider serving them with high-protein foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, or smoked salmon to make a meal more satiating and nutritionally balanced.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. Onions add additional nutrients like vitamin C and some flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dietary Fiber: Although not high in fiber, using the skin of the potatoes can increase the fiber content of hash browns. Fiber aids in digestion and can help to maintain a healthy gut.
By considering these serving and nutritional insights, you can enjoy homemade hash browns as part of a balanced and varied diet, whether as a standalone snack or as part of a larger meal.
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