Ultimate Crispy Home Fries
These Ultimate Crispy Home Fries are the perfect addition to any breakfast plate, offering a deliciously crunchy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. Infused with the vibrant flavors of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, these fries are a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with a range of toppings. Enjoy them plain or elevate your breakfast with a dollop of sour cream, fresh scallions, or a splash of hot sauce. Adapted from Mollie Katzen's beloved Sunlight Cafe Cookbook, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and hearty breakfast experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
potatoes
2 lbs (cut into small cubes (5-6 cups, about 1/4-1/2 inch))
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
onions
1 1/2 - 2 cups (chopped small)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (optional)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
garlic
1 - 2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
sour cream
(for serving)
minced scallion or chives
(for serving)
salsa
(for serving)
hot pepper sauce
(for serving)
ketchup
(for serving)
Instructions
1
Start by scrubbing the potatoes well, then cut them into small cubes (1/4 - 1/2 inch). Place the cut potatoes in a pot, covering them with water and bringing to a boil. Cook the potatoes until just tender, about 5-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. If not using immediately, store in fresh water in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, then drain and dry completely before use.
2
Heat a 10-inch skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. After about 10 seconds, swirl the oil to coat the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add half of the prepared potatoes, spreading them into a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 5-8 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy. Avoid stirring during this time for the best texture.
3
Once golden, sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon salt over the potatoes and carefully use a metal spatula to turn them over, checking that they are brown and crispy. If they aren't, let them cook for a few more minutes. Adjust to a single layer and cook again for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown on the second side. Once done, remove the potatoes to a bowl, scraping up tasty brown bits from the pan to add flavor. Repeat this process for the remaining potatoes, adding another tablespoon of oil and another 1/8 teaspoon salt if necessary.
4
After cooking all potatoes, wipe the pan clean with a damp paper towel, if necessary. Return the pan to heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (you can also use butter or margarine if preferred). Once hot, swirl to coat the bottom.
5
Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, along with the dried basil, thyme, diced bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often, until everything is well combined and fragrant.
6
Return the crispy potatoes to the pan with the onions and peppers, gently stirring to mix everything well. Sauté for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until everything is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Ensure you taste and adjust salt as needed, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper.
7
Serve hot or warm, topped with your favorite condiments and toppings. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the home fries are crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, avoid stirring the potatoes for the first 5-8 minutes while they fry, allowing a golden-brown crust to form undisturbed.
What size should the potato cubes be?
The potatoes should be cut into small cubes between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in size.
Should I boil the potatoes before frying?
Yes, parboiling the potatoes for 5-10 minutes until just tender is a key step before frying them in the skillet.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both frying the potatoes and sautéing the vegetables.
Can I substitute butter for olive oil?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine instead of oil when sautéing the onions and peppers for extra flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until they become softened and translucent.
When do I add the garlic and herbs?
Add the chopped garlic, dried basil, and dried thyme after the onions have softened, along with the diced bell peppers.
What toppings go well with these home fries?
Popular toppings include sour cream, fresh scallions, salsa, hot pepper sauce, and ketchup.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil the potatoes in advance and store them in water in the refrigerator, but be sure to dry them completely before frying.
What herbs are used in the Ultimate Crispy Home Fries?
The recipe calls for dried basil and dried thyme to provide aromatic flavor.
What size skillet is best for this recipe?
A 10-inch skillet or sauté pan is recommended for cooking the potatoes and vegetables.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses approximately 1/2 teaspoon of salt, added in stages throughout the cooking process.
How many potatoes are required?
You will need 2 lbs of potatoes, which yields about 5-6 cups when cubed.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe suggests scrubbing them well, implying that the skins can be left on for texture.
What is the purpose of scraping the pan?
Scraping the tasty brown bits from the pan after frying the potatoes adds extra savory flavor to the final dish.
How long is the final sautéing step?
After combining the potatoes with the vegetables, sauté everything together for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Should I fry all the potatoes at once?
It is best to fry them in two batches to ensure they stay in a single layer for optimal browning.
When should I add the bell peppers?
Add the bell peppers after the onions have finished their initial sauté, along with the garlic and spices.
What is the heat setting for frying the potatoes?
Start by heating the oil on medium heat, then increase to medium-high once the potatoes are added to the pan.
How much garlic should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic depending on your preference.
Is the black pepper added at a specific time?
Fresh ground black pepper should be added at the very end to taste.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Mollie Katzen's Sunlight Cafe Cookbook.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried herbs, you can substitute fresh herbs if you adjust the quantities.
What should the interior of the potato be like?
The goal is a fluffy and tender interior contrasted by a crunchy exterior.
Should I clean the pan during the process?
If necessary, wipe the pan with a damp paper towel after frying the potatoes before starting the onions.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 to 2 cups of small-chopped onions.
Are the herbs mandatory?
No, the dried basil and dried thyme are listed as optional ingredients.
What kind of bell pepper should I use?
You can use any color of bell pepper; the recipe requires 1 cup of diced pepper.