Not your ordinary home fries

Today’s recipe comes from the Mongo and Lodi Facebook page. Give them a like and follow for fun, easy to make recipes, culinary adventures and all sorts of food-oriented fun!

Many years ago, I had a friend whose Mom worked at a little local diner. She kept telling me about the home fries there, and I thought, “Fried potatoes for breakfast, OK … what’s so special about that?” Well, once I had them, I knew; Everything!

She told me how to make them, and since then, my breakfast potato world has been elevated.

It’s easy, but not quick, and it takes many steps, but it is SO worth it!

Ingredients:
4-5 medium potatoes
1/2 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup vegetable oil
salt
pepper
2 teaspoons paprika (or more if you’d like)
parsley

Directions:
1. Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. I leave some peel on mine for taste.
2. Soak potatoes in cold water and vinegar for 30 minutes or longer, (this will release their starch and make for crispier home fries) then drain and rinse potatoes completely.
3. Put potatoes in clean water, add a tablespoon of salt and heat until boiling. Once boiling, boil for exactly 4 minutes and drain immediately. Lay drained potatoes on a sheet pan to cool.
4. Roughly chop the onion, and in a small pan, cook slightly with 1 tablespoon of butter until just translucent and soft. Set aside. We will add these later so that they do not burn and lose their taste.
5. In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil and remaining 1 tablespoon of butter at medium-high heat. When pan is very hot, carefully add your cooled potatoes in a single layer in the pan. Salt and pepper liberally, some of the salt and pepper will be lost in the oil.
6. When you see brown edges form on the bottom of the potatoes, use a spatula to turn the potatoes. Do this one more time as the potatoes crisp.
7. Add paprika and the cooked onions. Stir until everything is combined and finish crisping to your desired texture.
8. Remove potatoes from the pan to paper towels or a cooling rack to drain any excess oil.
9. Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!

You can add any spin on these you want. I do peppers and onions for a Southwestern potato, or add cheese and bacon bits. I also love to add a healthy amount of Italian seasoning or dill. Enjoy as you wish for breakfast or brunch.