Foolproof hash browns

idahopz · Nov 9, 2015

If you have a waffle maker, hash browns are as easy as making waffles - even I can't ruin them
I like using the dried potato shreds from Costco, but have made these with equal success from fresh potatoes as well.

For the dried potatoes from Costco, I place the desired quantity in a bowl, top with water and a pinch of salt, then microwave for 1 minute. Let sit 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Scoop some into the waffle maker and get ready to eat with your favorite toppings.

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idahopz
Nov 9, 2015

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idahopz
Nov 9, 2015

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idahopz
Nov 9, 2015

4pogo7 · Nov 9, 2015

Hmmm, interesting method. I like it!

tropics · Nov 9, 2015

That is flippin out great I have to do this. Do you ever mix any onions in with it?

Richie

tropics · Nov 9, 2015

Sorry just noticed todays your first day so Welcome to SMF

Richie

idahopz · Nov 9, 2015

Thanks Richie, and yes, sometimes onions, and even shredded meats like corned beef mixed in with the shredded potato. I like runny yolk eggs, and the browns topped with one is spectacular!

chef jimmyj · Nov 10, 2015

Great Idea! I never tried the Dehy Hashbrowns but worth a shot. Fresh take so long to cook for a family breakfast...JJ

idahopz · Nov 10, 2015

Thanks, JJ - most of the time I like the dehydrated ones the best. However, Costco has two versions, one is a pack of pint sized boxes which are great on the road camping because you can simply add water to the line and re-hydrate. However, these are not as robust as the other kind they have in what looks like a gallon sized milk box. Those shreds are the closest to fresh I have tried. Problem is the same as with other Costco products I like - they stop selling it altogether or sell intermittently

old bones · Nov 10, 2015

That's a good idea. How about using a Gorge Foreman Type Grill for do a family size. ;-)

We'll be picking your brain more often.. Thanks for posting..

idahopz · Nov 10, 2015

You're too kind, Old Bones!

I don't see why a George wouldn't work - certainly would be worth a try. You gave me an idea to try an old Panini press I have stuffed somewhere - makes great toasted sandwiches so it might work for browns as well

jirodriguez · Nov 12, 2015

We buy the small camping sized packs at Costco and I found the large cup brew option on my Keurig fills it perfectly. That's my super easy, guilty pleasure method for doing hash browns... lol.

I saw those dehydrated potato's for years and swore I would never buy them, then a friend told me they were actually good,so I tried them. I was shocked at how good they were and how easy! They are also great to put as a topper on casseroles or as a crust on casseroles. For a crust we form them into the bottom of a glass pan and then bake them till crispy, then add the filling and cook some more.

Bearcarver · Nov 12, 2015

IdahoPZ said:
You're too kind, Old Bones!

I don't see why a George wouldn't work - certainly would be worth a try. You gave me an idea to try an old Panini press I have stuffed somewhere - makes great toasted sandwiches so it might work for browns as well

Great Idea, PZ !!!

----------

Be interesting to know if Old George would work, because we haven't had a Waffle Iron for many years.

I just asked Mrs Bear if we still have our George Foreman Grill. She said yes, but she doesn't know where. Well Dang-it, this house isn't very big!!!!

Anybody finds out how good the George Foreman works let me know, then I'll get the Blood hounds out !!

Bear

idahopz · Nov 12, 2015

Thanks, Bear!

I know I've a George as well, and will give it a go (if I can find it) because now I'm curious

Bearcarver · Nov 12, 2015

IdahoPZ said:
Thanks, Bear!

I know I've a George as well, and will give it a go (if I can find it) because now I'm curious

That's Great----Let us know!!

I'm thinking maybe George doesn't close tight enough to do it like your Waffle Iron. Just a total guess though.

Bear

cmayna · Nov 12, 2015

b-one · Nov 12, 2015

Now I wished I had kept our old waffle iron! Great job with the hash brown cooking idea!

idahopz · Nov 12, 2015

Well, folks - did the George Foreman experiment and it worked. I asked my missus where our George was and she asked me why. I told her of Old Bone's idea about using it for hash browns and she immediately went into the storage area and found it. Wasn't expecting to try it so soon, but what the heck - why not. Just to be sure I am not biased I asked her to be the judge on texture and flavor. We have the original small edition of the George Foreman.

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idahopz
Nov 12, 2015

Still in the cooker - it took about 15 minutes to achieve this level of brown.

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idahopz
Nov 12, 2015

Plated - the outsides (top and bottom) were perfectly crispy, but the inside was a bit dry. I think 15 minutes was probably too long, but any earlier and it wasn't as brown. The flavor was good, but my better half said to brush on some oil.

On another note, these only had a quick spritz of spray oil, and for those that need low fat hash browns, these would certainly quench the salt/crisp tooth. The calorie count must be excellent - the box claims 70 calories per serving, which is 1/3 cup dry. What you see here is about 2 servings plus the cooking spray. The only problem with estimating the calories in the spray is that the Kirkland brand claims zero calories and zero from fat even though the ingredients specify canola oil. So, I'd guess that what you see represents about 150 calories, and very little from fat.

I'd say that this experiment was a success. I think you're correct though, Bear, because this is a gravity press unit, I'm not sure there was enough contact with hot metal as the potatoes shrunk as they cooked - maybe why they were a bit dry.

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idahopz
Nov 12, 2015

Bearcarver · Nov 13, 2015

Thanks for that experiment & report, PZ !!!

Gotta find these Dehydrated Taters you guys speak of, and put a Whole house search on for our George!!!

Bear

seenred · Nov 13, 2015

This is a good idea PZ! I don't own a George, but I've got both a waffle iron (smallish) and a Cuisinart panini press that would probably achieve similar results. I'll be giving this a try for sure!

Red

idahopz · Nov 13, 2015

Thanks guys!

I think you're correct about the panini press, Red. I've one at work and maybe I'll bring some shreds and try it out as well!

tropics · Nov 13, 2015

Bearcarver said:
Thanks for that experiment & report, PZ !!!

Gotta find these Dehydrated Taters you guys speak of, and put a Whole house search on for our George!!!

Bear

Bear I get these at Wallmart going to try some tomorrow morning

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tropics
Nov 13, 2015

Richie

Foolproof hash browns

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