Buttery, Oniony Charred Hash Browns

If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful, and intensely browned potatoes, then these Buttery, Oniony Charred Hash Browns will be an absolute treat for your taste buds. Inspired by the classic steakhouse-style hash browns and mashed potatoes, this dish takes the best of both worlds and elevates it to a new level. With tender russet potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and a generous amount of butter, these hash browns are taken to perfection through a unique crisping process. By cooking, browning, and folding the potatoes multiple times, you end up with a pile of creamy, crispy, and caramelized goodness that is unlike any other potato dish you’ve ever had. Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to this delightful potato creation!

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2½ pounds russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch cubes
• Kosher salt
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
• Freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water, leaving about 1 inch of water above the potatoes.
2. Generously season the water with kosher salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook the potatoes until they are completely tender but not falling apart. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, and you can test their tenderness by piercing them with a cake tester or fork – they should offer no resistance.
4. Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Set aside.
5. Caramelize the Onions: In a 12-inch heavy-bottomed nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
6. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften and begin to brown. This process typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the caramelized onions to the bowl with the potatoes, leaving the fat in the skillet. Mix the onions and potatoes together and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Crisp and Fold the Hash Browns: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and increase the heat to high, swirling the butter until it starts to brown.
9. Carefully transfer the potato and onion mixture to the skillet and press it down with a silicone spatula to form an even cake.
10. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook, shaking the pan gently every minute or so, until the bottom of the potato cake is completely browned and almost charred. This should take about 5 minutes.
11. Use the spatula to lift and flip the potatoes in sections, slicing and folding to incorporate the browned sections into the interior of the cake.
12. Repeat the browning and folding steps two or more times, creating a potato cake with crispy bits of potato and sweet onions throughout.
13. Final Crisping and Serving: Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Melt the butter and then lift the potatoes over it, spreading and pressing them into an even layer.
14. Cook until the bottom of the potato cake is completely crisp, which should take about 5 minutes. Remember to shake the skillet every minute or so to prevent sticking.
15. Remove the skillet from the heat and place an inverted plate over the top. Carefully flip the potatoes out onto the plate so that the crisp side is facing up.
16. Serve the Buttery, Oniony Charred Hash Browns immediately, or keep them warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy the uniquely flavorful and texturally delightful experience of these Buttery, Oniony Charred Hash Browns. Whether they’re served as a side dish to complement a main course or enjoyed on their own, this creation is sure to be a hit. So, get ready to indulge in the perfect blend of creamy, caramelized, and crisped potatoes that will leave you wanting more!