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Breakfast: Building a One-Pan Breakfast Hash

Creating a one-pan breakfast hash is a delightful way to start your day with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This technique combines diced potatoes, vegetables, and proteins into a hearty, skillet-cooked meal that's perfect for brunch or a lazy weekend morning. The key to a stellar hash is achieving crispy, golden edges while ensuring everything cooks evenly. Begin by selecting the right pan—cast iron is ideal for its heat retention. Next, choose your base: Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully due to their creamy texture and ability to crisp up. Dice them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Add a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for color and nutrition. Protein options are versatile: consider breakfast sausage, bacon, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or paprika to elevate the flavors. Cooking a hash requires patience and attention to detail, as you'll need to manage the pan's heat to avoid burning while encouraging the caramelization that gives hash its signature taste. Finally, finish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness. This technique is perfect for home cooks looking to streamline their morning routine without sacrificing taste or texture.

Notes

The science behind a great hash lies in the Maillard reaction, where amino acids and reducing sugars in the food create complex flavors through browning. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning; medium is usually your friend. Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning, and not dicing ingredients uniformly, resulting in uneven cooking. For safety, ensure meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. This hash is versatile for make-ahead prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Steps

  1. 1 Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2 Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
  3. 3 Add 2 cups of diced potatoes and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. 4 Push potatoes to one side and add 1 diced onion, cooking until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  5. 5 Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 diced zucchini, stirring to combine with potatoes and onions.
  6. 6 Crumble 1/2 pound of breakfast sausage into the skillet and cook until browned.
  7. 7 Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper.
  8. 8 Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  9. 9 Use a spatula to press the mixture gently for crispy edges.
  10. 10 Create small wells in the hash and crack 2 eggs into them, if desired.
  11. 11 Cover the skillet and cook eggs to desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes.
  12. 12 Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime juice.
  13. 13 Serve immediately, straight from the skillet.

Ingredients to explore

Anchovy Fillets

Silvery and succulent, anchovy fillets are a briny treasure from the sea. Their rich, umami flavor adds depth to dishes, making them a beloved ingredient in kitchens worldwide.

Anaheim Peppers

Anaheim peppers are a mild chili pepper variety named after Anaheim, California, where they were first cultivated commercially. Originating from the New Mexico region, these peppers are celebrated for their versatility and gentle heat. They possess a flavor that is mildly sweet with a subtle tang, and a pleasant vegetal note reminiscent of green bell peppers, but with a hint of spice. Their texture is firm and crisp when fresh, becoming tender and slightly smoky when roasted or cooked. In cooking, Anaheim peppers behave well across a range of techniques, from grilling and roasting to stuffing and sautéing, contributing a nuanced depth without overwhelming other ingredients with heat.

Recipes to try

Maple Bacon Mushroom Burger Bowls

Sweet, smoky, and savory come together in these hearty bowls, where juicy burger patties meet crispy bacon and earthy mushrooms.

Roasted Corn and Zucchini Chowder

Creamy, comforting chowder with a roasted sweetness from corn and zucchini, finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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