Hash Browns – USA

Classic American Hash Browns Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 small onion (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: ketchup, hot sauce, grated cheese, or sour cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
• Peel the potatoes if desired, or you can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
• Grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. You can use the large holes for a coarser texture or the finer holes for a smoother consistency.

1. Rinse and Drain:

• Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the hash browns from sticking together and ensures a crispy texture.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander and then use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out any remaining moisture.

1. Optional Onion Addition:

• If you want to add onions to your hash browns, finely chop the small onion.
• In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Set them aside.

1. Cooking the Hash Browns:

• In a large non-stick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter or vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Once the fat is hot, add the grated potatoes to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Press down gently with a spatula to create a compact layer.
• Season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook the hash browns without stirring for 5-7 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
• If you’re adding sautéed onions, spread them evenly over the potatoes at this point.

1. Flipping and Cooking the Other Side:

• Carefully flip the hash browns in sections or use a large spatula to flip the entire thing if you’re feeling adventurous. The key is to keep the shape intact as much as possible.
• Cook the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy.

1. Serving:

• Once both sides are crispy and the potatoes are cooked through, transfer the hash browns to a serving plate.
• You can cut them into wedges or serve them as a whole depending on your preference.
• Add optional toppings like ketchup, hot sauce, grated cheese, or sour cream if desired.

1. Enjoy:

• Hash browns are best served hot and crispy, so dig in while they’re still fresh from the skillet!

These homemade hash browns make for a delicious breakfast or side dish and are perfect alongside eggs, bacon, or sausage. Enjoy your classic American hash browns!