Fried potatoes and onions is a timeless dish that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Whether served as a hearty breakfast, a side dish at dinner, or a midnight snack, this simple yet flavorful recipe is beloved by many. The combination of crispy potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions seasoned to perfection creates a delicious harmony of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into this recipe and explore each step in detail to help you make the perfect batch of fried potatoes and onions.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed for this recipe. Having everything prepared and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Ingredients for Fried Potatoes and Onions
- 5 Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Russet potatoes are ideal for frying due to their starchy content, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- 2 onions, sliced: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is perfect for frying, providing a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds an extra layer of flavor with a blend of spices.
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Potatoes
The first step is to prepare the potatoes by peeling and thinly slicing them. Once sliced, soak the potatoes in ice water for 1 hour. Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which prevents them from sticking together during cooking and helps achieve a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Skillet
In a cold skillet, add 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. It’s important to start with a cold skillet to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the onions and seasonings.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Begin by adding a layer of sliced potatoes to the skillet. Follow this with a layer of sliced onions. Sprinkle a portion of the salt, pepper, and seasoned salt over the top. Repeat these layers until all the potatoes and onions are in the skillet, ensuring that each layer is evenly seasoned. This layering technique ensures that every bite is flavorful and that the onions are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes and Onions
Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the potatoes and onions for 45 minutes to 1 hour. It’s crucial to resist the urge to constantly stir or flip the potatoes; instead, allow them to cook undisturbed for the first 30 minutes. This helps to form a crispy, golden-brown crust on the bottom layer of potatoes. After 30 minutes, gently flip the potatoes and continue cooking for the remaining time. The key to perfect fried potatoes and onions is patience, as this slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the onions to caramelize beautifully.
Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe due to their high starch content, which results in a crispy texture when fried. However, if you prefer a creamier interior, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes.
Soaking the Potatoes
Soaking the potatoes in ice water is a crucial step that should not be skipped. This process removes excess starch, which helps prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy during cooking. Make sure to thoroughly drain and dry the potatoes before adding them to the skillet to avoid any splattering from the oil.
Seasoning
Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors of the dish. In addition to salt, pepper, and seasoned salt, feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs. Paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can add extra layers of flavor.
Cooking Technique
The secret to achieving perfectly fried potatoes and onions is patience. Cooking the potatoes over medium-high heat without constant stirring allows them to develop a crispy crust. Flipping the potatoes just once ensures that both sides are evenly cooked and crispy.
Using a Cast-Iron Skillet
For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly, which is ideal for frying. It also helps in achieving that desired golden-brown crust.
Serving Suggestions
Fried potatoes and onions can be enjoyed in various ways and make a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish
Serve fried potatoes and onions as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. The crispy and flavorful potatoes complement the main course beautifully.
For Breakfast
This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a classic breakfast plate.
As a Snack
Enjoy a plate of fried potatoes and onions as a delicious snack. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra treat.
With Condiments
Ketchup, hot sauce, or aioli can be great dipping options that enhance the flavors of the potatoes and onions.
Conclusion
Fried potatoes and onions is a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make it an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips for success, you can create a batch of perfectly crispy and flavorful fried potatoes and onions.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, enjoying it for breakfast, or snacking on it throughout the day, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a timeless classic that never fails to please. Happy cooking!
Print
Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Classic Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Potatoes and Onions is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs crispy, golden-brown potatoes with sweet, caramelized onions. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty accompaniment to any main course. It’s a comforting and versatile dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 5 Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 onions, sliced
- 4 TBS vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Seasoned salt
Instructions
- Soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 1 hour. Drain.
- In a cold skillet, add the oil, a layer of potatoes, onions and seasonings. Repeat.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, only turning the potatoes once. (I waited 30 minutes before flipping.)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg