Are you craving a deliciously crispy and satisfying side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these incredible hash brownies! Forget everything you thought you knew about boring hash browns – this recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy edges with a fluffy, tender interior. It's the ultimate comfort food, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a satisfying side for dinner. Get ready to elevate your hash brown game! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for weekend brunches. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
The key to perfectly crispy hash browns lies in properly preparing the potatoes. After peeling and grating your potatoes, place them in a large bowl of cold water. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier hash browns. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This simple step makes a huge difference!
Step 2: Drain and Mix
After soaking, thoroughly drain the potatoes and squeeze out as much excess water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Add the drained potatoes to a large bowl along with the chopped onion, flour, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix everything until well combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the hash browns tough.
Step 3: Cook the Hash Browns
Heat the butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and hot (or the oil is shimmering), carefully drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of a spoon to create even-sized patties.
Step 4: Achieve Golden Perfection
Cook the hash browns for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be patient and let them develop a nice crust before flipping. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, transfer the hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious homemade hash browns! They're fantastic on their own, or as a delicious accompaniment to eggs, bacon, sausage, or your favorite breakfast meats.
Tips for the Best Hash Browns:
- Don't skip the soaking: Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, leading to crispier hash browns.
- Squeeze out the water: The drier the potatoes, the crispier they'll be.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Use medium heat: Low heat will result in soggy hash browns, while high heat will burn them before they cook through.
Variations:
- Cheesy Hash Browns: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese to the potato mixture.
- Spicy Hash Browns: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-infused Hash Browns: Add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. It's a fantastic addition to any meal and a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness!