Who doesn’t love them?

Let me count thy ways…

Fried, baked, mashed…boiled, grilled or shredded –

Breakfast, lunch or dinner… the simple spud always saves the day.

These tasty taters (above) were cut, then sliced, then sauteed in olive oil, over a low heat – slowly…

Slowly, slowly I let them cook – adding a little more olive oil as needed, without drenching/drowning in oil of course – while keeping the fry pan covered, with a lid.

I like to put a lid on the cast iron fry pan while these beauties slowly soften. The lid helps keep in the heat without drying them out. They soften while they cook due to the moisture, but the lid does need to be lifted every now and again to allow the steam to escape and while they are uncovered, be sure to toss them, gently, so each piece cooks evenly…cover again for a little while longer and stir a few more times.

*the time here depends on the type of potato you are using as well as the overall thickness and size of each cut piece

*Once they begin to soften (you’ll notice the potatoes firm consistency changing – softening with each turn…) it’s time to brown them, while crisping them up.

Add a little salt and pepper at this point + maybe a little drizzle of olive oil to help them brown and crisp nicely. Here is where you need to walk the fine line of just enough moisture (to prevent sticking to the pan) and not too much, thus preventing the perfect amount of browning/crisping…keep the heat a little higher at this point – but not so high that you risk burning them…while also keeping the lid off. Let that steam out! (:

Remember to toss them in the fry pan now and again to prevent burning and sticking…

This is also the time to add in some finely chopped onions (the amount depends on the quantity of potatoes – use your judgement – if unsure, go light on the onions) If the onions are added too soon – they burn. Add them too late, and well, they don’t have time to caramelize…

So, at this point the potatoes should be nice and browned and crispy. Let those onions cook just the right amount of time, about five minutes or so.

Remember to toss the onions with the potatoes over medium heat a few times for the perfect match – crispy homefries with caramelized/browned onions.

Finish with whatever fresh herb you have. Parsley, thyme, sage, scallions or chives are a few to consider.

Or skip the herbs if you don’t have any and just add a dollop of ketchup and call it delicious!

Enjoy.

Stay well. Be well.

What’s your favorite way to eat potatoes?

(: