The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Hash Brown Patties at Home

Looking to add a homemade touch to your breakfast or brunch menu? Hash brown patties are a simple and delicious way to do just that. They're versatile, easy to make, and can be paired with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the process of creating perfect hash brown patties from scratch.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed:

To make hash brown patties, you'll need the following ingredients:

2 large baking potatoes 1 small onion (optional) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or potato starch 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional) 1 teaspoon salt A few grinds of freshly ground pepper 1 large egg Peanut oil for frying

For your equipment, you'll need:

A food processor or box grater (large holes recommended) A colander or cheesecloth sling (optional) A medium skillet Paper towels for draining A baking sheet lined with foil (preheated to 175°F)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hash Brown Patties

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling two large baking potatoes. If you prefer, you can also add a small onion for added flavor. Using either a food processor or a box grater, coarsely shred the potatoes and onion. For longer strands, place the potato sideways in the food processor chute. Transfer the shredded mixture to a colander or wrap it in a cheesecloth sling and squeeze to remove as much moisture as possible. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes and then squeeze out any remaining excess moisture into a large bowl.

Step 2: Mix in Seasonings and Egg

In the same large bowl, whisk together the flour (or potato starch), baking powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Carefully fold in the egg and then stir in the potato and onion mixture until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Form Patties and Fry

On a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil until it begins to shimmer. Drop packed tablespoons of the mixture into the skillet and flatten them with the back of a spoon. Cook the patties over moderate-high heat until they become golden brown on one side, about 1 1/2 minutes. Flip the patties and cook until golden on the other side, about 1 minute. Drain the cooked patties on paper towels. Keep them warm in a preheated oven at 175°F (covered with foil).

Repeat the process until all the batter has been used, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary.

Step 4: Store and Reheat

Latkes, a type of hash brown patty, can be stored and reheated easily. Cooked latkes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. When ready to reheat, place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake in a 350°F oven until they become crispy again. This step is especially useful if some of the patties didn't brown as desired or if you have undercooked ones.

Conclusion

Hash brown patties are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, whether it's breakfast, brunch, or even as a light snack. Follow this guide to create perfect hash brown patties that are both crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. With just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can enjoy homemade hash brown patties any time of the day!