Getting the best hash browns
Crispy strands of potato - the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch. To get the best hash browns, I have learnt that there are a few simple steps: keep the potatoes dry and keep the pan hot. And, as always, make sure you season!
Ingredients
3 russet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons butter or cooking spray (depending on cooking method)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch paprika, or to taste
1 tablespoon corn starch
I always recommend to use Russet Potatoes to get the best hash browns. Other potatoes will work too, like Idaho, but I have gotten the best result with Russets. Russet Potatoes have a high starch content, and low moisture content - which is key to the perfect hash browns (for a healthier option, you can use sweet potatoes as an alternative).
Peel the potatoes, and then grate or shred them (I use the larger holes on a standard box grater to give the hash browns more texture). Place the potatoes in cheese cloth (kitchen tissue will also work), and squeeze the grated potato to get as much moisture out as you can. Place the drained potatoes in a bowl, and season generously - I use rock salt, freshly ground black pepper and smoked paprika.
After seasoning, gently dust the potatoes with corn starch (this makes them crispier) - making sure you cover all the pieces, but don't overdo it.
There are two methods that you can use to cook hash browns: pan-frying or oven baking:
- Pan - Frying : Place a frying pan over medium heat. I prefer to use a mixture of butter and extra virgin olive oil to get the best flavor into the potatoes. Once the butter is melted completely and the foam subsides, add the potatoes, fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Oven - Baking : Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; coat with cooking spray. Spread out potatoes and bake for 10 minutes on each side.
Additional Tips :
- Use some shredded white onion along with the potatoes to add depth to the flavour
- To add some spice, you can also season with chili powder along with the paprika
- Instead of butter and olive oil, you can use rendered bacon fat to give even more flavor
middleeastcoastchef
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