Sunday, December 11, 2011

CB Cooks: Extra crispy skillet potatoes

Mmmmmmmm!
It's been a major life goal of mine to cook diner-style hashbrown/home fried potatoes at home. Not only is it incredibly satisfying and simple to make, but you can make them EXTRA crispy. 99% of the time, I make mine in my cast iron skillet, but you can make them in any skillet-type kitchen cooking vessel. I have been in love with my cast iron skillet for some time now... In most of my cooking I use only 3 things: the cast iron skillet, the (cast iron) dutch oven, and the crock pot. In the summer I use the grill too.


I rarely use a microwave in cooking, but in this recipe it really is the secret ingredient! When I cook raw potatoes in the skillet, when the outside is nice and crispy but the inside is still raw and starchy. My solution is to pre-cook the potatoes in the microwave, cut them, THEN throw'em in the pan. By the time the outside is super crispy and delicious, the inside is heavenly soft like mashed potatoes.

Anyway, here is my recipe:

WHAT YOU NEED
- Potatoes - I've tried a bunch of different varieties, and they all pretty much work
- Oil - I've used olive, canola, and "vegetable;" they all work fine too
- Salt
- A skillet - I HIGHLY recommend a seasoned cast iron skillet! I think it's much easier to get the potatoes evenly crispy
- A microwave (I guess you could use an oven)

HOW YOU MAKE THEM
1) Prick some holes in the potatoes with a fork, wrap in paper towel, and throw in the microwave (If the 'taters are really big, you could just cut them in half)

2) Cook on high for 3-5 minutes, depending on size

3) When you hear the potatoes screaming in agony (you know, the high-pitched sound of the steam escaping) let them sit for a while

4) Heat up some oil (probably more than you think) in the skillet

5) Cut up the potatoes- the smaller you cut them, the more surface area there is to get nice and crispy

6) When a little piece of potato sizzles like crazy when you throw it in the skillet, dump the rest of the potatoes in

7) DON'T TOUCH! Let them sit there for 3-4 minutes; sprinkle some salt on top. You want the potatoes to develop a nice thick crust- if you move them now, the crust won't develop and the potatoes will soak up all the oil. Don't fill the pan too full either, or else the potatoes will steam instead of fry.

8) With a spatula, stir the potatoes, let sit again without touching for 3-4 minutes

9) Besides the microwave, this is the key to getting a nice crispy crust. Let them sit! If you stir fry them, it will never happen

10) Continue the stir-wait process for about 20 more minutes

11) Once they look evenly browned and crispy (like the picture), they're done! Add more salt to taste, and eat immediately!

WHAT ELSE YOU COULD DO
- I sometimes throw sautéed onions and poblano peppers in once the potatoes are almost done. Don't put those in at the beginning, they will surely burn
- These potatoes are great on their own, but even better paired with some delicious scrambled eggs with chorizo, onions, and poblano pepper strips
- If you cook in an oven-friendly vessel, you could plop these in a heated oven to keep them warm while you prepare other stuff
- Then again, another great thing about cast iron skillets is they stay warm for a long time, so maybe that's not even neccesary

7 comments:

  1. I like cutting up a whole Onion when I do that and let it go transparent before I add the spuds.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have a cast iron skillet and grill pan on my xmas wish list. I loooove me some good crisped spuds!

    ReplyDelete
  3. constantly i used to read smaller articles or reviews which also clear
    their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am
    reading now.
    Also visit my site : Free Porn

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
    site? I'm getting fed up of Wordpress because I've had problems
    with hackers and I'm looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
    My blog post :: Hardcore sex party with anal for hot gal

    ReplyDelete
  5. We're a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community might be grateful to you.
    Also visit my website - www.teenpornpost.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is
    really informative. I'm gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
    My website :: nude girls

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
    Also visit my webpage ... teen sex videos

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you think!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.