Hash browns are usually fried in oil, but eliminating the oil is easy when you use a non-stick pan and know the best way to cut the potatoes. These are delicious with a little granulated onion and garlic, ground black pepper, and homemade ketchup.
Potatoes are among my favorite foods, so it’s surprising that I’ve only now, 15 years into my plant-based journey, begun eating hash browns on a somewhat regular basis. I made them once or twice before from the frozen package (they do come oil-free) as well as grating my own potatoes, and while both were good, they usually end up on the “too wet and soggy” side of things for my taste.
And then the clouds parted and the coolest little slicing tool came into my life! It’s called the Benriner Cook Helper Slicer (see photo below; there are many other types and brands that also provide a similar effect, but this is the first one I tried and I love it). While it can cut any firm fruit or vegetable (apples, carrots, beets, etc.) into a variety of widths, it really shines with potatoes on their way to becoming hash browns.
The sliced potatoes are like fluffy white ribbons, so when they’re cooking, air moves between the strands more thoroughly, and the hash browns don’t get overly moist or gluey. I love this inexpensive little kitchen tool (it’s about $30), and wanted to share it with you. However, if you don’t have one, or aren’t planning on getting one, you can still use the below recipe to make oil-free hash browns from freshly grated potatoes.
Having a quality non-stick pan makes this recipe a breeze (as well as pancakes and veggie burgers), and results in even browning and, of course, keeps the potatoes from sticking like a charm (stainless steel pans won’t work). I have used and liked Berndes and Scan Pan brands (see my favorite pans here). Quality non-stick pans are not cheap, but they are worth it. You can also make these hash browns in the oven if you don’t have a non-stick pan.
Ingredients
1 medium to large white potato (Yukon golds work well) per person, skin on or off
granulated onion or garlic to taste
1 recipe Salt-free Ketchup (optional)
