Crispy Hash Brown With Smoked Salmon Creme Fraiche And Herbs Recipes

CRISPY HASH BROWN

Steps:

• Heat 3 Tbsp of oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat.
• While the pan is heating, squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the grated potatoes. It's easiest to do this with a potato ricer, using it much like you would a garlic press, except you don't force the potatoes through the ricer. You just press out the moisture. If you don't have a ricer, use paper towels to squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the grated potatoes.
• When the oil in the pan heats up to the point of shimmering, but not smoking, add the grated potatoes, spreading them out along the bottom of the pan. The potatoes should not be too thick in any one place, no more than a half inch thick. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the potatoes. After a few minutes, lift up one edge of the potatoes and see how done they are. If they have fried to a golden brown they are ready to flip. Use a large spatula to flip the potatoes over all at once, or divide the large potato cake into halves or quarters and flip. Continue to cook until they are golden brown on the bottom.

CRISPY HASH BROWNS

Steps:

• Prepare the hash browns: Peel the potatoes, then use a box grater to shred them lengthwise into long strands, then place them immediately into a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from oxidizing. Pour out the water, add a second round of cold water until the shredded potatoes are immersed, and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
• While the potatoes soak, prepare the crème fraîche: Add crème fraîche, dill and lemon zest to a medium bowl and whisk until aerated, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt; refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Strain the potatoes, then use a cheesecloth or towel to squeeze out any excess water (or tightly grip them by the fistful, squeezing any liquid into the sink), transferring potatoes to a large bowl. Season shredded potatoes with the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder and a generous amount of kosher salt. (If you notice a little excess water in your bowl, feel free to pour it out.) Mix until everything is incorporated and then shape the mixture into 8 patties, patting them firmly until compact.
• Once you have your hash browns shaped and ready, divide 3 tablespoons canola oil between 2 large nonstick or cast-iron pans and heat over medium. Gently add 4 hash browns to each pan, using a spatula to sculpt the edges of each hash brown so they're rounded like hockey pucks. Cook, undisturbed, until golden-brown and crisp underneath, about 5 minutes, reducing the heat to medium-low if browning too quickly. Carefully flip the hash browns, adding about 1 tablespoon of oil to each pan (or more, if needed), and cook over medium until the second side is golden-brown, another 3 to 5 minutes, reducing the heat to medium-low if browning too quickly.
• Once the hash browns are golden on both sides, working with 1 pan at a time, add 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and 2 thyme sprigs to the pan and cook over medium, tilting the pan slightly and using a spoon to baste the thyme-scented butter over the hash browns, about 1 minute.
• Turn heat off and transfer butter-basted hash browns to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. Repeat basting step with the remaining hash browns, butter and thyme sprigs.
• Garnish with chives and serve with crème fraîche.

HASH BROWNS WITH MUSTARD & SMOKED SALMON

Steps:

• Grate the unpeeled potato onto a clean tea towel. Bring up the edges of the towel, then squeeze over the sink to remove any excess water in the potatoes. Tip into a bowl and add the flour and mustard or horseradish. Season well and mix together.
• Divide the mixture into 8 balls and flatten between your hands. Heat a large frying pan with the butter and oil, then add the potatoes to the pan. Cook for 2-3 mins on each side, over a medium heat, until golden.
• Stack a couple of hash browns on each serving plate and top with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of soured cream or crème fraîche and some chives to serve.