Best Hash Brown Recipe For Weekend Binging

Shredded potatoes fried to their crispiest best - this is what defines hash browns for most of us. Kids and adults alike absolutely adore potatoes and any snack that can be made out of them. That being said, this Western recipe has travelled across the world to fit into the taste buds of one and all. The nomenclature of the recipe is derived from the French word ’hacher’, which means to hack or chop, and explains its method of preparation. These chopped and fried potatoes can be had as is or as a side dish to breakfast items like burgers and sandwiches. Though the hash brown recipe can also be made from chopped meat, the contemporary version of the recipe is mostly associated with potatoes.

Origin of Hash Browns

The recipe finds its first mention by the American food author Maria Parloa who called it ‘hashed brown potatoes’ (or ‘hashed browned potatoes’) in her 1887 book Kitchen Companion. Back then, she interpreted the recipe to be made from a fried mixture of cold-boiled potatoes that is supposed to be served like an omelette folded in half. 

In common parlance, hash browns first hit the market in the 1890s on streets of New York City as a popular breakfast choice. Traditionally, they are prepared on a large common cooktop or grill over low heat. 

Ingredients Needed for Hash Browns 

Before we learn how to make hash browns, let’s first assemble the ingredients that we will require. All these items are easily available in any kitchen and give hash browns their distinct flavour. 

Prep Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4 | Cooking Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Salt and pepper as per taste

1 egg

1 cup oil for frying or as needed

¼ cup - all-purpose flour

2 medium Russet potatoes, shredded

½ medium onions, finely chopped

Cheese as per taste (optional)

Cayenne pepper as per taste (optional)

Garlic powder as per taste (optional)

You may skip the use of eggs if you are a pure vegetarian.

Equipment Needed to Make Hash Browns 

Since you would be required to shred and fry the potatoes for this hash brown recipe, you must arrange for the necessary equipment. For peeling the potatoes, you will require a peeler. For grating or shredding the potatoes, keep a grater or food processor handy. Once you are done assembling the hash browns and they are ready to be fried, take a non-stick frying pan or a grill to shallow fry them. You will also require a spatula to flip them.

For ease and convenience, it is recommended to take a pan or utensil that is large enough for you to flip the potatoes easily without harming yourself. The pan should also have an even base for equal distribution of heat. 

Steps to Make Hash Browns at Home 

Craving for some restaurant-style hash browns? Here is how to make hash browns easily and quickly at home in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Peel the potatoes cleanly. Then, shred/grate them using the food processor or grater. 

Step 2: Potatoes tend to turn black when exposed to air. To avoid this, rinse the potatoes until the water gets clear and soak them in fresh water.

Step 3: Keep flour and egg ready. Also, keep the seasonings you wish to aside. 

Step 4: Mix everything very well. Once you feel the potatoes are binding well, shape your hash browns patties into the desired shape. You can either shape them into a single patty or multiple smaller pancakes. Simultaneously, put oil on the flame in a pan.

Step 5: Once the oil is sizzling hot, slowly add your patty or pancakes. Do not flip sides immediately, as it might splatter out. Once you are sure the side on the pan is crisp, flip the patties and fry until golden brown. Serve hot with dips of your choice.

How to Make Your Hash Brown Crispy 

The most unique thing about hash browns is the crispiness of the potatoes which adds a characteristic sweetness to the recipe. If you are trying the hash brown potato recipe at home and want it to be perfect, you must ensure the potatoes are crispy once cooked. Wondering how? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. 

While you are collecting the ingredients, ensure you get russet potatoes. If you don’t get them by the name, ensure you get the kind of potatoes specifically used for baking and making fries. The skin of these potatoes is not very firm and peels off easily.

Secondly, wash the shredded potatoes thoroughly until the water comes clear to remove all the starch there is. Starchy potatoes make the crispiest hash browns.

Thirdly, bind the potatoes well with the flour to make them crunchy, and fry them in sizzling hot oil to keep them crispy for a long time.

Nutrition Facts of Hash Brown Recipe 

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and proteins and do not contain much fat. If you are craving something light yet filling for your tea break or breakfast, hash browns are the perfect accompaniment. These will fulfill most of your nutritional demands. 

The following is the nutritional value of 1 cup (149.25 gm) of hash browns:

Calories: 134.3 Kcal

Source: https://www.eatthismuch.com/food/nutrition/hash-browns,1839300/ 

Expert Tips to Make Hash Brown 

Whether or not you are making hash browns for the first time, you would want them to be just like you have outdoors. 

Follow the tips mentioned below to ensure you ace the hash brown potato recipe like a boss:

Drying the potatoes well: Pat the potatoes dry or leave them in a muslin cloth before you add the binding agents. There should be no moisture left in the potatoes so that they do not turn soggy once cooked.

Binding the potatoes well: Many people encounter the problem of their pancakes sputtering out while they cook them in oil. This could be because of the lack of a binding agent. One secret hack to this is to add cheese to the potatoes, which will not only glue the ingredients together once it melts but also give out a delicious taste. 

Uniform strands: While you can use a grater if you do not have a food processor, the latter is a better choice as it creates longer and more uniform strands. In the process of cooking, the surface area also makes a difference once the potatoes are left to cook in the pan.

Proper seasonings: Any starchy food tends to require a generous amount of seasoning to reflect its flavor. Unless you add seasonings properly to your hash browns, you might not get the desired flavour, so do not hold back on that. 

Conclusion 

With the above simple steps, hash browns shall no longer remain a luxury food that you can only have in a cafe or the streets of North America or Great Britain. With a few tips here and there, you can make this hash brown recipe amazingly well and serve it not only on regular days but also on special occasions like birthdays and kitty parties. One advantage of this recipe is that you can half-cook the hash browns and freeze them for reuse. So, cherish warm mornings with your loved ones and this recipe.

FAQs 

What toppings can be added to hash browns?

Hash browns can be topped with ketchup, salsa, sour cream or even cheddar cheese. This also adds to their appeal and look once you serve them.

How long can frozen hash browns be stored?

Hash browns have a shelf life of two months, so they must be consumed within that period. However, this also depends on the climate and weather you are in. During winter, they may also be stored for longer periods.

Is this a gluten-free dish?

Hash browns are not gluten-free, so those avoiding gluten in their diet should avoid it. Those suffering from diabetes are also advised not to consume the dish.

What kind of oil is perfect for frying hash browns?

It can be cooked in any regular cooking oil. However, it has been found that olive oil is the ideal cooking oil for frying these potato pancakes. Please note that you must use regular olive oil and not extra virgin one. 

What could be the possible reason for the hash browns not turning brown?

Hash browns may contain moisture, which might be keeping them from turning brown. You can resolve this by adding only one pancake at first or a small quantity to the pan to check, if it is cooking properly and then proceed to add more accordingly.