Two Potato Home Fries Food

COUNTRY HAM AND SMASHED-POTATO HOME FRIES

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Salt the water generously and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, 7 to 10 minutes, depending on size. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ham and saute, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 4 minutes; transfer to a bowl. Add the onions and red peppers to the skillet and saute, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to another bowl.
• While the vegetables are cooking, smash the boiled potatoes down by hand. Add the remaining tablespoon oil and the butter to the skillet. When the butter is foaming, add the potatoes in a single layer and sear until very golden brown and crispy, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Stir in the crispy ham, onion mixture and lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

HOME FRIES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Season with salt. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until just tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings into a small bowl and set aside. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
• Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-high heat. Heat the remaining bacon fat and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in the skillet. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste, and arrange in a single layer. Cook, without stirring, until well browned on 1 side, about 4 minutes. Using a spatula, turn the potatoes in small sections, and continue cooking, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes or until well browned. Stir in the onions, heat through, and sprinkle with the parsley and cayenne, if desired. Transfer to a warm platter and crumble the bacon on top, serve. Copyright 2005 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

HOME FRIES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a medium saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil over high heat. Salt the water. Reduce heat to medium-high; cook until potatoes have softened but are still slightly firm, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain in a colander. When cool enough to handle, peel potatoes; cut into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
• Cook bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat until all fat has been rendered and bacon is crisp and brown, about 15 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; set aside on a paper towel to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Add reserved potatoes; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add reserved bacon, peppers, onion, and thyme; cook until vegetables have softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, and serve.