Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Breakfast potatoes!

One of my favorite things to make on weekends is a batch of breakfast potatoes (or home fries, or cottage fries, or b-pots, or whatever you'd like to call them). They're perfectly crisp on the outside, light on the inside, and go well with just about anything for breakfast. My husband also likes to slice some brats and cooks them up with these potatoes for a quick, masculine dinner.


Home Fries
Adapted from America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (russet potatoes work just fine, too!)
1/4 vegetable oil (I use a little less)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (I replace some with bacon grease. Yum!)
1 onion, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
Minced fresh herbs, if desired (such as thyme and/or flat-leaf parsley)

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, toss the potatoes with the oil Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until potatoes are tender, but not falling apart, 5-10 minutes, shaking the bowl to redistribute every 3 minutes (careful- it will be hot!). Remove the plastic wrap (watch out for steam) and drain thoroughly in a colander.

2. Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (I find that a nonstick works best for developing a crust on the potatoes, but a regular skillet works just fine, too). Add the potatoes to the skillet and distribute evenly over the pan. Cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Carefully turn to ensure even browning and add onion to skillet. Continue cooking, turn every few minutes until well browned and the onion is softened, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Add herbs, season to taste, and serve immediately.

10 comments:

hungry crasian said...

found you on my fave food porn website: tastespotting, great blog! just tried america's test kitchen's similar recipe of grilled potatoes par-cooked in the microwave and they turned out fab as well! can't believe microwaving them did not make them weird and gummy, but it didn't and they roasted perfectly!

kar said...

I was skeptical at first, too, but it sure beats par-boiling them. I'm glad you stopped by-- thanks for taking time to say hello!

Unknown said...

Hi--friend posted a link to your blog on Facebook. This recipe looks good. Going to try it some time. Following you now. Feel free to follow me if you want! :)
Megan

kar said...

Thanks, Megan!

Unknown said...

ive made this recipe twice since finding it on tastespotting. So Great!!

Maria Surratt said...

I am hoping to make these for a baby sprinkle I'm throwing for my sister...brunch menu. These sound so tasty! Quick Q though...how many would this recipe serve? Trying to decide (based on my headcount) if I'll need to double it or not.

kar said...

Maria: Sorry I forgot to include that important piece of information! The recipe states 4-6 servings. Good luck with the party!

Sarah said...

These remind me of these great potatoes my mom used to make when I was a kid. Mmm. Nice stuff and a good reminder that the simple things are usually the best. Yum!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

I love to prepare some recipe with potatoes although i know that a person can gain weight if eat potatoes frequently, but i can´t deny that i really like the flavor, most of all when is combine it with some ingredients. Simply delicous. And when i cook, my husband usually is very happy.
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