Hashbrowns... (mystic)

[Scuba Pete]

A year ago, I decided that I wanted to cook hash browns from scratch. I searched on the net and found all sorts of recipes, but NONE that told me how to cook simple breakfast hash browns starting with just a tater. Hey, I did the research work for you, so this is EASY.

Start with a spud. Pop off any of the new growth (how long have you had this thing?), wash but don't peel and then use a hand grater that will simply shred the potato into slivers about one eighth to three sixteenths of an inch wide and an inch or so long. I put them into a plastic colander and rinse all the spud juice off with cold water. THIS IS A KEY STEP.

Next, I put my colander on a plate and into the microwave. 4 minutes on high does the trick. If I am cooking just for me, half goes into a baggie and into the freezer for my next breakfast.

I put my non stick pan on the stove and put it on HIGH for about 45 seconds to a minute. On a scale of 1-10, I put it down to 6 and put in a five sixteenths inch pad of butter and melt it until it just starts to brown. Dump your hash browns in so they cover the entire bottom of the pan. Season with REAL pepper, salt and Monkey Dust and wait a minute or so. Flip them and let simmer some more. Slide the whole mess onto your plate.

At this point I turn the stove down to just under "4" and give the frying pan a quick rinse. Another pad of butter (a bit thinner) and in go the eggs. REAL pepper, salt and more Monkey Dust allow that egg white to cloud a bit on top and flip for 15 seconds and now I have my eggs and hash browns.

Yummy!

[MidnightBlue]

I like my hashbrowns shredded, but I usually make the diced kind because that's what my better half prefers.

What's monkey dust?

[Scuba Pete]

Monkey Dust was the old name for "Everglades Seasoning". It was a smart marketing move on their part due to some druggies using it as slang for pcp. I have to admit that I loved the old name.

[MysticSang'ha]

Thanks, NetDoc.



I'm glad you reminded us of the important step of rinsing off the starch from the potatoes before cooking (this is also REALLY important when wanting to make homemade french fries). I also squeeze out as much moisture as I can before cooking, too.



I actually don't use the microwave. I just go straight from the colander to the pan. Is there a difference in taste or texture?




Peace,
Mystic

[Seyorni]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

Monkey Dust was the old name for "Everglades Seasoning". It was a smart marketing move on their part due to some druggies using it as slang for pcp. I have to admit that I loved the old name.

Thanks for the partial clarification, ND. "Monkey dust" definitely had me scratching my head, but what's the recipe for this Everglades Seasoning?

Does it include alligators.....?

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

Monkey Dust was the old name for "Everglades Seasoning". It was a smart marketing move on their part due to some druggies using it as slang for pcp. I have to admit that I loved the old name.

I kinda like it, too.

I was glad to see you don't peel your potatoes. I never, ever peel potatoes if it's just the two of us, and I don't understand why people want to throw out the best part. I do peel them for potato salad or mashed potatoes if we're having company, because a lot of people seem to have a problem with the skins for some reason.

[Willamena]

Ahh, hashbrowns the good old fashioned way ...using a microwave.

Thanks for the recipe, Doc.

(There's fake pepper?)

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Ahh, hashbrowns the good old fashioned way ...using a microwave.

The microwave would help remove moisture. I just drain them on paper towels, and squeeze the shredded kind.