Con leftover ham and potatoes, you’re just a few simple steps away from creating a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for brunch or a quick dinner. You’ll adapt a historical recipe that originated with European settlers in North America, who innovated with available ingredients. Now, you can evolve this staple by using your leftover ham, potatoes, and a few extra ingredients – and if you continue, you’ll discover a world of possibilities.

Historia

The origins of ham and potato hash can be traced back to the early European settlers in North America.

You might wonder how this dish evolved over time.

The answer lies in the origins debate.

As settlers brought their own culinary traditions, they adapted to the new environment, using available resources like ham and potatoes.

You can imagine them experimenting with different ingredients, slowly perfecting the dish.

Over time, ham and potato hash became a staple in many American households, especially during the post-Civil War era when food was scarce.

As you explore the history of this dish, you’ll find that its evolution is deeply rooted in the cultural exchange between European settlers and Native Americans.

Receta

Ham and potato hash is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch o una cena rápida entre semana. It’s also a great way to use up leftover potatoes and onions. This recipe uses diced ham, but you can also use bacon or sausage for added flavor.

The key to a great ham and potato hash is to cook the potatoes until they’re crispy on the outside y tender on the inside. This takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. You can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the hash for added flavor and nutrients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups diced ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sal y pimienta al gusto
• 2 eggs, beaten (optional)

To cook the hash, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Add the diced onion and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Add the diced ham and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve the hash hot.

If desired, make wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness. Serve the hash hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

When cooking the hash, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of crisp up.

Also, don’t overcook the hash, as it can become dry and unappetizing.

Finally, be gentle when stirring the hash, as you want to keep the potatoes intact.

La lista completa de ingredientes

Feel free to make ingredient substitutions based on your dietary needs and preferences.

This ham and potato hash is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste buds.

Pasos de cocción

You’re now ready to start cooking your ham and potato hash.

First, you’ll need to prep your ingredients by dicing cold leftover ham, chopping onions for flavor, peeling 2-3 large potatoes, and grating frozen hash browns.

Entonces, sauté those chopped onions in a pan to get your dish started.

Step 1. Dice Cold Leftover Ham

Grab your leftover ham and get ready to transform it into a diced masterpiece.

Make sure it’s been stored properly in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.

Now, it’s time to get safe! Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board to avoid accidents.

Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle, slicing the ham into thin strips. Then, cut the strips into small, uniform cubes.

You should now have a pile of diced ham, ready to be added to your potato hash.

Chop Onions for Flavor

One medium onion awaits its fate, soon to be transformed into a flavorful addition to your potato hash.

Chop it into small, uniform pieces to release its natural sweetness.

As you chop, remember that onions are packed with antioxidants and fiber, making them a great addition to your dish from a health standpoint.

The science behind flavor tells us that caramelizing onions brings out their natural sweetness, which will complement the smoky flavor of your leftover ham.

Take your time chopping, and get ready to add a depth of flavor to your ham and potato hash.

Step 3. Peel 2-3 Large Potatoes

Scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then dry them with a clean kitchen cloth or paper towels.

You’ll need 2-3 large potatoes, depending on their size and your desired hash amount. Choose high-starch potato varieties like Idaho or Russet for a fluffier hash.

Próximo, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife to peel the potatoes.

Try the “strip and flip” peeling technique, peeling the potato in one long strip, then flipping and peeling the other side. This helps prevent the potato from breaking apart while peeling.

Step 4. Grate Frozen Hash Browns

Take frozen hash browns out of the freezer, letting them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to thaw slightly. This makes them easier to grate.

You can also use other freezer alternatives like frozen diced potatoes or frozen shredded potatoes, just adjust the grating technique.

Now, grab your box grater or food processor with the shredding attachment and get to work. Apply gentle pressure, depending on the grater or processor, to get the desired texture.

Estás apuntando a un coarse grate that will hold its shape during cooking.

Step 5. Sauté Chopped Onions First

Now that your grated potatoes are ready, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a tablespoon of oil, then sauté chopped onions – sweet onion varieties like Vidalia or Maui onions work well.

You can also use shallots or scallions for added flavor.

If you prefer sauté alternatives, try caramelizing onions beforehand or using store-bought caramelized onions.

Once the onions are translucent, you’ll be ready to add the grated potatoes and diced ham.

The onions will add a sweet, savory flavor to your ham and potato hash.

Reflexiones finales

You’ve successfully navigated the recipe for ham and potato hash, and you’re likely wondering what to do next.

What’s next for your ham and potato hash: experimentation, special occasions, or a new family favorite?

Take a moment to reflect on your experience.

Did you enjoy the onions and ham sizzling in the pan?

Did you appreciate the ease of using leftover ingredients?

These personal reflections will help you appreciate the value of this recipe in your cooking repertoire.

Now, think about your future cooking endeavors.

Will you experiment with different seasonings or ingredients?

Perhaps you’ll make this dish for a brunch gathering or special occasion.

Whatever your future plans, this recipe has provided a solid foundation for creativity and exploration.