1tablespooncornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
to tastefresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor to achieve fine shreds. After grating, rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent them from becoming gummy.
Transfer the grated potatoes to a clean kitchen towel or a piece of cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel and twist it to form a pouch, then twist further to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained grated potatoes with the chopped onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want extra crispiness, sprinkle in the cornstarch. Stir vigorously until all the ingredients are well-coated and evenly mixed.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to coat the bottom of the skillet. Using a measuring cup or spoon, scoop approximately ¼ cup of the potato mixture and gently flatten it into a patty shape in the skillet. Repeat this process to form as many patties as the skillet can accommodate without overcrowding.
Cook the hash browns for about 5 minutes on one side until they are golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip each patty with a spatula and continue to cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until perfectly browned.
Once cooked, transfer the crispy hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. If necessary, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining potato mixture.
When all the hash browns are finished, serve them hot and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a burst of freshness.
Notes
Serve hot and garnish with fresh chives for added flavor.