Chunky Rustic-Style Home Fries Recipe
Overview:
Chunky Rustic-Style Home Fries are a delightful addition to any breakfast spread, offering a comforting and flavorful way to start your day. This recipe, inspired by “A Real American Breakfast: The Best Meal of the Day, Any Time of the Day” by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Bill Jamison, transforms simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying dish. Whether you’re using leftover potatoes or starting from scratch, these home fries promise a delightful crunch with each bite, complemented by the savory goodness of butter, onions, and bell peppers.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 215.9 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1 review)
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 pounds russet potatoes
- 1/4 onion
- 1/4 green bell pepper
- 1/4 red bell pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh chives (optional)
- Parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Skillet: Warm the butter in a 10- to 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Ensure the skillet is evenly coated with butter to prevent sticking.
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Prep the Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into chunky cubes, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
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Season and Cover: Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, coating them with the melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cover the skillet.
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Initial Cooking: Cook the potatoes for 20 minutes, maintaining a medium-low heat. During this time, you should hear only a faint cooking sound as the potatoes begin to soften.
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Uncover and Add Ingredients: After 20 minutes, uncover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. At this point, turn the potatoes at 10-minute intervals and lightly pat them back down in the skillet.
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Incorporate Flavor: When turning the potatoes for the first time, stir in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and chili powder if desired. This step infuses the home fries with aromatic flavors.
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Ensure Even Cooking: As the potatoes continue to soften, pat them down more lightly, ensuring as much surface area as possible is in contact with the skillet without mashing them.
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Final Cooking Phase: Cook the potatoes for approximately 20 minutes longer, turning them at 5-minute intervals to ensure even browning and crispiness.
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Adjust Seasoning: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, increase the heat to medium and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired, according to your taste preferences.
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Check for Doneness: The home fries are ready when the potato cubes are richly browned and crisply textured on the outside, yet tender and melting in the center.
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Serve and Garnish: Plate the home fries immediately, scattering fresh chives over the top for an added burst of flavor and color. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside your favorite breakfast dishes.
Tips for Success:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and optimal browning.
- Ensure the potatoes are diced into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, allowing enough space between potato cubes for proper browning.
- Adjust the cooking time according to your preference for crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with additional seasonings or toppings, such as grated cheese or crispy bacon bits, for a personalized touch.