Are you craving a hearty, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further than this old-fashioned hash recipe! This isn't your grandma's hash (though she'd probably approve), it's a revitalized take on a classic comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend brunch. This recipe is packed with flavor, uses readily available ingredients, and offers plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Simple Flavors
This recipe makes about 4 servings of delicious old-fashioned hash. Adjust the quantities as needed for your family or guests.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (or your favorite protein – ground beef, turkey, etc.), removed from casings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hash Heaven
This old-fashioned hash recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Prep the Potatoes: Begin by dicing your russet and sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Soaking them in cold water for about 15 minutes helps to remove excess starch and prevents them from sticking together during cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Sausage: Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the Potatoes and Spices: Add the diced potatoes, red bell pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.
- Cook the Hash: Cook the hash, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and slightly browned, about 20-25 minutes. You might need to reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water.
- Serve it Up: Serve your delicious old-fashioned hash immediately. For an extra touch, top each serving with a fried egg and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Hash Perfection
- Evenly sized potato cubes: Ensure your potatoes are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you're working with a large batch, cook the hash in two batches to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper would add a nice kick!
Variations: Beyond the Classic
This recipe is a fantastic base for endless variations. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also swap the breakfast sausage for other proteins like ground beef, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also add depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without egg):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This old-fashioned hash is a wonderfully versatile dish. It's perfect for a quick and easy dinner, a satisfying brunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Its hearty nature and delicious flavors make it a true comfort food classic. Enjoy!