I want to start by saying that in Romania, we have this delicious and rustic way of eating hash browns. I grew up knowing them to be 'tocinei,' and even though they can be made as a savory dish, most often, you will find them served with sour cream and sugar. Well, at least, in the part of the country I grew up in.

So, inspired by our lovely 'tocinei,' I created this savory, easy-to-make and oh-so-satisfying breakfast recipe. The result is a layered tower of crunchy potatoes, creamy sour cream, and a perfectly fried egg that will power you through your day.

Let's dive into this unique and tasty hash brown recipe:

Instructions

• ‍Prep Your Potatoes: Wash, peel, and grate your potatoes.

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• Sprinkle them generously with salt, then place them in a clean towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Excess water will make your patties mushy instead of crispy.
• ‍Shape Your Patties: Divide the grated potatoes into two portions and form two hash brown patties. If you can get them perfectly round, go ahead! But don't worry if they're not—they'll taste amazing regardless of shape.‍
• Fry the Hash Browns: Heat up oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium. Fry each hash brown patty on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

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• Assemble Your Breakfast Tower: While the patties are frying, prepare your plates by spreading a dollop of sour cream in the center. Season the sour cream with salt and pepper.‍
• Layer It Up: Once the patties are done, place them on top of the sour cream.

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• Fry the Eggs: Fry eggs sunny-side up using any technique you prefer. Don't worry about perfect shapes—just enjoy them the way you like. Add the egg on top of the hash brown, then sprinkle crumbled feta to complete your tower. For a spicy kick, you can drizzle some chili oil.‍
• Serve: Serve immediately with a crunchy slice of bread on the side. Enjoy this crispy, creamy, and savory creation!

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Nutritional Value of Hash Brown Patties

This hash brown recipe brings a hearty dose of energy to the table. Here's a quick breakdown of the nutrition it provides:

• Carbohydrates: The grated potatoes are a rich source of carbs, fueling your body for the day ahead.
• Protein: With the addition of eggs and crumbled cheese, this meal packs a decent protein punch.
• Fats: Both the frying oil and cheese add healthy fats, but you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten things up.
• Calories: Keep in mind that hash brown calories can add up, especially if fried. However, using an air fryer can cut down on fat content (see FAQ for tips).

A Brief History of Hash Browns

The first recorded mention of a breakfast potato recipe dates back to 1887 when Maria Parloa included it in her cookbook. However, when it comes to actual hash browns, McDonald's made it hit the mainstream breakfast culture. And this happened in the 1980s McDonald's added them to their menus, skyrocketing their popularity.  

So, the rest is history. Today, hash brown patties are a breakfast staple worldwide we all know and love.

FAQ: All About Hash Brown Patties

Still have questions? I do have more answers:

Q: Are hash brown patties healthy?

A: Hash brown patties can be part of a balanced diet when prepared with minimal oil and paired with protein and vegetables. Opting for an air fryer reduces the fat content, making them a lighter option.

Q: Are hash brown patties gluten-free?

A: Yes, they can be! Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, so as long as you're not adding any flour or breading, your hash browns should be safe for those avoiding gluten.

Q: How to make hash brown patties in an air fryer?

A: Making hash brown patties in air fryer is easy! After squeezing out the moisture, shape your patties and spray them lightly with oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they're crispy and golden.

Q: Why is it called a hash brown?

A: The term "hash brown" comes from the word "hashed," which means chopped. The potatoes are grated or chopped into small pieces and then fried until brown and crispy, hence the name.

Conclusion

Whether you're trying to recreate a nostalgic favorite or simply want a new breakfast idea, this crispy, creamy, and salty recipe is versatile and delicious. Not only do they satisfy those cravings for something crunchy, but they also provide a well-rounded nutritional profile to start your day strong.

And if you're looking to lighten things up, making the hash brown patties in the air fryer is a great way to cut back on calories while keeping the flavor.

So, grab your potatoes and whip up this tower of tastiness. Don't forget to check out the video, subscribe on our Youtube channel, share your creations and tag us on Instagram when you do!

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