Today I’m sharing my Heavenly Hash Browns recipe with you. Although it’s really not much of a recipe. It’s more of a concept and it’s super easy, folks. Super good, too.
Honestly, Hash Browns are one of my very favorite comfort food dishes. Because super satisfying, “comfort food-central” potatoes are, of course, the star in this dish.
![Simple Heavenly Hash Browns made from Campfire Potatoes and Corn (cut off cob after grilling). [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Hash-Browns-with-Corn.jpg "Simple Heavenly Hash Browns made from Campfire Potatoes and Corn (cut off cob after grilling). [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]")
Heavenly Hash Browns Made from Campfire Potatoes with Corn (Cut off Cob After Grilling)
To spread awareness and potato love, he’s eating 20 plain potatoes a day. For 60 days. Hmmm.
Well, he’s right that potatoes often get a bad rap unnecessarily. Other than in the form of French Fries and potato chips, some folks never eat a potato.
That’s too bad because they can be the basis of healthy and usually very frugal meals. But, 20 potatoes a day and that’s it? I’ll look forward to seeing how he fares on his spud-nik mission. (Update: You can read about Voigt’s results here; they are interesting to say the least.)
Most of us can incorporate much fewer potatoes in our diet and reap the benefits from a health standpoint and a frugality one. Potato contains vitamins and minerals, as well as an assortment of phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols.
Per Wikipedia, “a medium-size 150 g (5.3 oz) potato with the skin provides 27 mg of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value (DV)), 620 mg of potassium (18% of DV), 0.2 mg vitamin B6 (10% of DV) and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. The fiber content of a potato with skin (2 g) is equivalent to that of many whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals.”
Potatoes are well known as complex carbohydrates, but they also contain protein as the commissioner stated. To be honest, that was news to me. Again, per Wikipedia, most of the protein in a potato is contained in a thin layer just under its skin.
There are many varieties of potatoes. (GMO potatoes even exist, too, and were in the market for a while. Monsanto’s New Leaf potatoes were used for McDonald’s French Fries for a while until consumer backlash resulted in them being pulled.
Research with GMO potatoes continues, but I found no information via online source to indicate that GMO potatoes are being used commercially in the U.S. at the present time.) Of course, there are more expensive potatoes like Fingerling and Yukon Gold, both of which I do love, but your basic russet or white potato can yield satisfying and healthy results at a much lower cost.
Russet potatoes were actually in the news as being surprisingly high in antioxidants a while back. And you know what, you can buy a 10-lb bag—or often even a 20-lb bag—of potatoes for the same cost as one bag of potato chips!
You can grow your own, too. Even city dwellers can get in on the fun. A 50-gallon garbage can with holes drilled in its bottom and filled with soil makes a great self-contained way to grow a supply of potatoes. You can also grow potatoes in a bag.
Whether you use a traditional in-ground garden or a container, “digging” potatoes is one of the most fun gardening chores ever. It’s very exciting to find out how many of those gems are hiding under the soil and exactly what they look like.
Is there one potato that has such a unique shape or looks like that face of a celebrity that it’s worthy of posting on eBay for a big payoff? LOL Probably not, but even when there are no super unique potatoes, the shapes and sizes always fascinate. I’m a sucker for the ones that somehow end up shaped like hearts. A veritable gardening treasure hunt, for sure, and frankly potatoes just have so many uses.
That’s why I try to always have potatoes in my pantry. Sometimes a baked potato is just right to round out what I have planned for dinner.
When we’re camping, potatoes baked in the coals of our campfire are pretty much a given for part of our evening meal. That cooking method produces the best baked potato. Ever. Period.
At home, potatoes often go in the microwave just as they are or get dressed up a bit for Quick and Easy Pan-Baked Potatoes. Other times, a few potatoes get chopped and thrown into my Everything Soup.
Potatoes also make wonderful creamy soup with the help of either evaporated milk (or coconut milk) as in this Baked Potato Soup, or just blended with broth for non-dairy creaminess as in this Slow Cooker Potato-Zucchini Soup.
Incidentally, an old rule of thumb for potato soup is to use one potato per person (or double that if you want leftovers). For more of a stew effect, Bombay Potatoes Meet Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) Tomato Curry might be your choice.
But by far, the most frequent way I use potatoes is to make hash browns. This dish is a particular favorite when camping because we usually throw a couple of extra potatoes in the coals when I bake potatoes to go with meals.
Even after years of campfire cooking, sometimes a few get burned and sometimes unexpected guests show up (like our neighbor in the mountains), so it pays to have reserve potatoes. However, more often than not, none get burned and we don’t have guests.
Then I use the extra potatoes to make hash browns or hash. Okay, I say hash browns, but the chunky potato dish that results is called home fries by some instead of hash browns. However, if you add meat to potatoes made like that, then one calls the dish hash.
Heavenly Hash Browns with Ham and Green Onions
Confusing, huh? Sometimes the English language defies logic.
We call this dish Heavenly Hash Browns no matter how small the potatoes are cut and any time we add other ingredients to the potatoes, well, then we call the dish “hash” without the “browns” … ham hash, steak hash, etc.
Heavenly Hash Browns with Zucchini and Bacon Added
Small bits of meat and/or veggies plus a few spices added to the hash browns create a frugal and healthy meal that is never exactly the same, but always comforting and tasty. Think of it the way you think of fried rice or a stir fry; just throw in whatever sounds good.
Again, it doesn’t take much. Some leftover ham and green onions, a few shrimp with roasted sweet pepper bits, leftover barbecued chicken with grilled corn cut from the cob, zucchini slices/chunks … or maybe all of the above if you’re cleaning out the refrigerator and feeding a large family or a group of friends who dropped by unexpectedly.
There are lots of other wonderful potato dishes in the gluten-free blogosphere:
~ Ali’s Halibut and Potato Chowder
~ Alisa’s Easy Cajun Potato Skillet
~ Alta’s Scalloped Potatoes (Gluten Free and Vegan)
~ Diane’s Potatoes Au Gratin
~ Kim’s Fingerling Surprise (that surprise is an ingredient that many absolutely love!)
~ My Baked Potato Soup
![Not much beats a mug of this gluten-free Baked Potato Soup on a cold day! And with the help of your microwave, you can be enjoying it in just a few minutes! [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/Gluten-Free-Baked-Potato-Soup-wm.jpg "Not much beats a mug of this gluten-free Baked Potato Soup on a cold day! And with the help of your microwave, you can be enjoying it in just a few minutes! [from GlutenFreeEasily.com]")
And now for the Heavenly Hash Browns recipe.
Heavenly Hash Browns Recipe
Honestly, Hash Browns are one of my very favorite comfort food dishes. Because super satisfying, "comfort food-central" potatoes are, of course, the star in this dish. I’ve also used butter (dairy or non-dairy) before when making hash browns when camping, and sometimes leftover butter from dipping our artichoke leaves/hearts. Talk about heavenly hash with that variation! If you have non-onion lovers in the family (usually those are our dear children), try using just a little onion powder instead of an onion. You can gradually increase the amount of onion powder to get your non-onion lovers’ taste buds adapted. Son likes the flavor of onions, but not the texture so this was a good option for him when he was growing up. If starting with raw potatoes, try to cut pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking. When I make hash while camping and cooking on a grill, I tend to cut the potatoes into slices rather than cubes for easy flipping and removal from the grill.Heavenly Hash Browns
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Linda says
We are big potato fans. I don’t think you should overdo it (20 a day!?!) because of the amount of carbs, but I also think they usually get an unnecessary bad reputation. I’m glad you highlighted their nutritional benefits.
Your hash browns look terrific. I’ll have to give Karina’s chips a try. Thanks for the great information and recipe!
Shirley says
Linda–I enjoy potatoes, too, and was thrilled when I found out the benefits of Russet potatoes a while back, but I don’t think I could eat 20 potatoes for even a single day. Once anyone makes these hash browns one time, it will be so easy to make them the future and one can really get creative or keep these hash dishes very simple. I love Karina’s recipe. Very tasty!
Shirley
Ali says
Potatoes are heavenly! Just watched the potato video…awesome! Thanks for sharing the link Shirley, I keep hearing about that guy but have not seen his site until now. 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Ali–Yes, potatoes are indeed heavenly. 😉 The video is well done, isn’t it? I need to update the post to point it out to folks. Happy to educate you about someone “in your own backyard,” so to speak!
Shirley
Ina Gawne says
Shirley – we love potatoes in this household too! Don’t think I could do the “20 a day” thing though. One year I bought 2 50lb. sacks of potatoes from a farmer – they were super cheap! (what was I thinking?) We had a lot of hash browns that I froze. Now I miss them…time for some more delicious hash browns!
Shirley says
Ina–I know on the “20 a day” diet! 100 lbs of potatoes … wow! Freezing your hash browns was a good idea though. Potatoes are something I never freeze though. Maybe because they don’t last long enough around here. 😉
Shirley
Alta says
Ugh, 20 potatoes a day makes my stomach hurt. I like potatoes, but only once in a while. And making hash browns/hash is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them (especially the crispy bits – I could just peel the crispy parts off of all the potatoes and be happy, LOL!). Thanks for sharing my scalloped potatoes recipe. That is another way, IMHO, that potatoes really shine.
Shirley says
Alta–The thought makes my stomach hurt, too. Actually it would start hurting at about two I think. I love potatoes for the comfort factor, but this is definitely a time when “too much of a good thing” is NOT a good thing IMHO. Oooh, and I love the crispy bits, too. The potato crispy bits mixed with the onion crispy bits is almost nirvana to me! 😉 And I’ve always loves scalloped potatoes. Your version looks scrumptious! 🙂
Shirley
Angela says
Thanks Shirley! You have the gift of making even the most simple foods look and sound more delicious than 5-star restaurant food!
Shirley says
Hi Angela–You are a super sweetie! Thanks so much, dear. 🙂
Shirley
Jessica says
These look amazing! My husband is bound and determined for one of us to make fried potatoes as good as his grandma’s. This might be it! And without the vat of margarine that she used…ewwww!
Shirley says
Thanks, Jessica! I’m sure you’ll eventually make some fried potatoes as good as your husband’s grandmother’s. It would be great if this recipe does the trick for you, or even gets you close. 😉 I agree on that margarine, too.
Shirley
LisaB says
I’m working on losing weight, so I’m not eating very many potatoes myself. But I do love them. I drool over pictures of them.
Check out Ree Drummond (the Pioneer Woman) Crash Hot Potatoes. These are super-yummy!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/06/crash-hot-potatoes/
Shirley says
Hi LisaB–I’ve linked to Ree’s Crash Potatoes before, but still haven’t made them. Maybe it’s time, as I just got a big bag of potatoes. We’ve been out of potatoes for a while, but I’m restocked now. They come in handy for Mr. GFE. I often eat a sweet potato while he eats the other. 🙂
Shirley
dee m says
Hello Shirley, this looks heavenly indeed! Potatoes have certainly gotten a bad rap..they are so versitile..we love them with gluten free noodles, sauted with onion, garlic and cabbage, with a bit of garlic salt and coarse pepper.
I checked out Karina’s chips.. I must admit.. I am a chip fiene…I am cautious with ingredients when purchasing…I use to make my own years back and got away from it.. I make everything else from scratch, why not chips as well.. its time again! 🙂
I love that you posted about growing potatoes in a garbage can. We usually put in several feet in our garden, but want to also do some in the can to compare.
I love all you do, you are such an inspiration for all to stretch themselves.
I’ve had a book for Artisan breads that I used off and on, it contained gluten free bread recipes in the back of the book. Last night I made a loaf of gluten free bread for the first time, I changed the soy flour to oat with the sorghum instead and used goat milk cheese instead of cheddar. We only eat raw milk cow cheeses and were out. Turned out fab. Its a fermented type dough. Its been many months since I have had bread. We rarely buy anything processed, so buying a loaf of gluten free bread was unheard of here, I bake other breads for my hubby. I am blessed though that he will eat all gluten free foods I make. I know this bread is going to win him over as well. 🙂
I also want to say thank you again for being chosen in your “Columbus Salame Contest”.. My package arrived this afternoon….fab-u-lous!! We can’t wait to sink our teeth in… 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Dee–All your potato ideas sounds good to me! I think you will enjoy Karina’s potato chips and I’ll be very interested in how you make out with growing some of your potatoes in the garbage can. 😉 Congrats on your bread success, too … that loaf sounds AMAZING! Yippee on getting your salame package, too. 🙂 Finally, many thanks for the sweet feedback, dear; that really means a lot!
Shirley
Alisa says
Those hash browns are right up my flavor alley Shirley! Are GMO potatoes actually in stores? I didn’t think they were. Fortunately, back in the potato days we were only buying organic ones due to the pesticides. Dang, why is it so hard to buy “normal” food!
I digress, awesome recipe, and thanks for including me in the round up!
Shirley says
Thanks, Alisa! My additional research seems to indicate that there are no GMO potatoes in the stores now. Hmmm. Previously, I had been told by one of my healthcare providers that there were and my online research had indicated the same. Can’t find that same info now. That’s a very good thing I presume! Thanks for bringing up the topic. Will edit my post. I’m happy to include your potato recipe. You have a bunch of great ones! 🙂
Shirley
InTolerantChef says
We eat potatoes probably 3 times a week. This week already we’ve had them mashed, roasted and we made grated then baked rostis as well. All delicious! Your reciipe sounds yummy 🙂
Shirley says
Thanks, InTolerant Chef! I love all the ways you eat potatoes–YUM! 🙂
Shirley
Maggie says
I could never give up potatoes Shirley (well, maybe after eating 20 a day…)! Pete is the potato chef in our house so I will be passing this along to him!
Shirley says
Hi Maggie–All of us are balking at the 20 potatoes a day—holy mama! Would love to hear about Pete’s potato recipes. 😉
xo,
Shirley
Kay Guest says
Dear Shirley,
Heavenly is right, you sure know what to title your food posts, don’t you?
I have a photo of myself with a heart-shaped potato. Of course, I had to pose with it, wouldn’t you? 🙂
I am going to try to do a gluten free post tonight, but I am running out of time. Wish me luck!
Your Captain,
Kay
Shirley says
Hi Kay–LOL on my titling. And aren’t heart-shaped potatoes cool? I’d like to see that photo. 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Jane says
I love potatoes, but I have never mastered the stove top hash browns — I will definitely try these! I am actually trying growing some potatoes in my garden this year for the first time! I also agree – potatoes over the campfire are the absolute best! Thanks Shirley!
Shirley says
Oh, Jane, these are so easy! You’ll be a pro after one session. 🙂 Yippee on growing your own potatoes. They are so fun to dig up at the end of the season; it’s like finding buried treasure!
We’ll soon be eating campfire potatoes again! Are you guys regular campers?
Shirley
Jane says
We try to be regular campers! We live right in the Colorado mountains with plenty of places to go, so we try to get out during the summer and see what there is to see! I will definitely give these a try – thanks Shirley!
Shirley says
You do have beautiful country to camp in, Jane! So glad you get out and do it! Sadly, so many of our friends no longer camp, so it’s exciting to hear when people do camp. Plus, the food always tastes better and is more fun when camping I think. 😉
Shirley
Amber says
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us this week on AFW!! I wish I could have potatoes…and corn! Your pictures have me drooling. Great information too!
I’m thinking about you and your family during this time. Please take care and take time to be with your loved ones.
Hugs,
–Amber
Shirley says
Hey Amber–Thanks so much for all your support, dear. It’s truly appreciated!
If SCD works its magic, it will be worth it as you know to do without those spuds. In some cases, certain foods can be reintroduced later.
xo,
Shirley
Gretchen @gfedge says
Fried potatoes made by my husband are the best. When I cook I use red potatoes and then mix them with cooked fresh green beans and onions. You are so right – that can be a meal!
Shirley says
Gretchen–Fried potatoes made by others have to be good! 😉 I love the sound of your combo though … YUM. Definitely a meal, and a great one!
Shirley
Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) says
We eat too many potatoes around here to give them up – although I do stick with the organic ones for sure. I have to say that I got hooked on fingerlings a while ago and fell in love with their subtle sweetness. So we use those often.
Now…I am totally going to try growing my potatoes in a garbage can. I had no room for them in my garden this season!
And I will definitely be making this recipe. I love your note about how decadent they are if you use butter too. 🙂 I am certain that is how Kurt would be loving this! LOL
Shirley says
Kim–I do love the organic potatoes, and fingerlings. Surprisingly, Mr. GFE is not a big fan of fingerlings, so I don’t often make them for us.
Potatoes do need a lot of garden space, so I hope you have success with the can method!
You can’t go wrong with this recipe or just about any variation. The artichoke butter version doesn’t even include that much butter, but it tastes totally decadent. 😉
xo,
Shirley
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
Potatoes are my weakness–I could eat them anytime of day! I also happen to love them with onions so this is a recipe I will be trying very soon. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your great recipe on Allergy-Free Wednesdays! Be sure to check back next week for recipe highlights (including the top 3 reader choice submissions and hostess favorites).
Be Well!
Shirley says
Laura–I have to agree that potatoes work for any time of the day, and with onions added potato dishes make me very weak. 😉
I’m behind on AFW … must catch up. There’s so much good each week! 🙂
Shirley
Peter Bronski says
Great recipe, Shirley! And great write-up about potatoes. I agree – they’re too often maligned, sometimes for no good reason. Coming from an athlete’s perspective, Russet, Yukon gold, and sweet potatoes all rotate into my diet as important sources of energy. And like you, I often eat them via hash browns!
Cheers, Pete
Shirley says
Hey Pete–Ahhh, Yukon Gold … another fave of mine for sure, and I regularly buy sweet potatoes, too. I can even slip some sweet potatoes into my camping hash browns/hash, although Mr. GFE doesn’t care for them normally. 😉 It’s great to hear that they are good for energy for someone as active as you are. 🙂
Shirley