How to Make Perfect Hash Browns

Who doesn't like crispy golden Hash Browns? Here's a recipe to make perfect Hash Browns at home- Hash Browns with a crispy outside and a creamy inside.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 medium Russett Potatoes
• grater
• Microwavable glass mixing bowl
• Frying pan or griddle
• 1-2 Tablespoons light oil such as corn or safflower
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 teaspoons white or wheat flour
• Optional- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon each of Hungarian Paprika, Onion powder, Garlic powder, Italian or Poultry seasoning mix, sugar
• Vegan Cheese

1. 
   Russett Potatoes

   Grate the potatoes on a sharp grater, medium sized shred. This recipe serves 2, but a good rule of thumb is one potato per person, so increase the recipe as needed.

2. 
   Shredded Potatoes

   Put the potatoes into the glass bowl and cover with cold water until ready to use. You can refrigerate them at this point if you add a splash of lime or lemon juice or vitamin C. Rinse the potatoes well.

3. 
   Draining the Hash Browns

   Drain the potatoes and put them in either double thickness paper towels or a clean dish towel and wring as much moisture out as possible. At this point the potatoes may be frozen if desired. Put the dry shreds back into the glass bowl and microwave for about 2 minutes- long enough to half-cook but not cook fully.

4. 
   Adding the Herbs and Spices

   Heat the oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron or nonstick, on medium-high heat. While the pan is heating, mix the desired seasonings with the flour, and stir into the hot potatoes.

5. Press the potatoes down into the pan and spread as thinly as possible. Cook on the first side for about 10 minutes, or until browning at the edges, then flip and cook on the second side for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle lightly with cheese. Remove hash browns and drain on a brown paper bag until ready to serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Vegetables such as bell peppers, onions or garlic can be added, but the hash browns will not be as crispy, as it's the moisture content that makes hash browns mushy.
• A small shredded carrot or sweet potato can be shredded and added in.
• Rinsing the potatoes removes extra starch which is the main culprit in gummy hash browns.
• Be careful when adding potatoes to hot oil, as it will spatter.

Resources

• How to Make Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
• An Inexpensive Cheese Grater
• glorybug Vegetarian Blog

[PearlsWisdom]

on 9/25/2009 Great tips for hash browns. Time to try them for breakfast!

[kims3003]

on 9/24/2009 Great tips