Hash browns are a popular breakfast food with a crusty exterior and tender interior. While many recipes call for raw potatoes, using boiled potatoes can provide a time-saving shortcut and a distinctive texture to this cherished dish. Boiled potatoes, which are already fully cooked, can reduce preparation time and guarantee a soft, creamy interior.
This article will guide you through the process of turning boiled potatoes into deliciously crispy hash browns, providing suggestions for attaining a golden crust.
How To Make Hash Browns From Boiled Potatoes?
Making hash browns from boiled potatoes is a great way to utilize leftovers and achieve a crispy texture. Boiled potatoes have already been cooked through, so the focus is primarily on achieving that golden crust. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Boiled potatoes (cooled)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.
- Butter, oil, or a combination of both for frying
Instructions
- Preparation
- If the potatoes have been refrigerated, allow them to return to room temperature or microwave them briefly. This will facilitate their grating.
- If the potatoes are not already peeled, skin them. This stage is optional; some individuals prefer their hash browns with intact skin.
- Grate the Potatoes
- The potatoes should be grated using a box grater or food processor. You may choose the dimensions of the shreds, but medium-sized shreds perform the best.
- Season
- In a mixing basin, combine the grated potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Heat the Pan
- Place a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add butter, oil, or a mixture of the two. It should be heated until it shimmers but is not smoldering.
- Cook the Hash Browns
- Spread the grated potatoes into a thin layer in the pan. With a spatula, press the ingredients to form a compact layer.
- Cook undisturbed for approximately four to five minutes or until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
- Using a spatula (you can do this in sections for convenience), flip the hash browns and sauté the other side until it is also golden and crispy.
- Serve
- Once the hash browns have reached the desired crispiness, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Tips
- Potatoes that have been boiled can retain moisture. If they appear excessively damp after grating, press them between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crisper outcome.
- A cast-iron skillet is excellent for creating hash browns because it provides consistent heat and helps achieve a crispy crust.
- By combining oil and butter, you can achieve the flavor of butter while reaping the benefits of oil’s greater smoke point.
- If you prefer denser hash browns, you can add more grated potatoes to the pan; however, it may take longer for the thicker layers to crisp up.
Serving Suggestions
When serving hash browns made from boiled potatoes, consider pairing them with:
- Eggs (fried, scrambled, poached, or omelets).
- Breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, or ham).
- Toast, bagels, or English muffins with butter or jam.
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad.
- Yogurt or a smoothie.
- Grilled tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
- Avocado slices or guacamole.
- Hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
How Do You Shred Potatoes For Hash Browns?
To shred potatoes for hash browns:
- Wash and Peel: Clean and peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on for added texture).
- Shred: Using a box grater, firmly run the potato along the side with the largest holes, being careful of your fingers.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Place the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step ensures crispy hash browns when cooked.
- Cook Immediately: To prevent browning, promptly cook the shredded potatoes or immerse them in cold water until ready.
Bottom Line
Using boiled potatoes to make hash browns is a time-saving and failsafe method that guarantees a crispy exterior and a tender interior. By beginning with boiled potatoes, the danger of undercooked interiors is eliminated, allowing you to focus on achieving the desired crunchy exterior.
With the proper seasoning, technique, and a little patience, you can convert boiled potatoes into hash browns that rival those served at any restaurant. Try this method the next time you have leftover boiled potatoes or want a speedier route to breakfast perfection.
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