Save Pin This satisfying skillet combines golden russet potatoes with colorful bell peppers and red onions, all caramelized to perfection in olive oil and butter. The seasoning blend features smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a touch of cayenne for gentle warmth. Ready in under an hour, this versatile dish works beautifully as-is or topped with fried eggs for extra protein. The potatoes develop irresistibly crispy edges while staying tender inside, creating ideal texture contrast.
Sunday mornings used to be for sleeping in until the smell of spices drifting from the kitchen pulled me out of bed. There is something incredibly grounding about the sizzle of potatoes hitting a hot skillet. This hash became our go to remedy for slow starts and hungry cravings. It turns simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug.
I once made this for a group of friends after a long hike and watched the platter disappear in minutes. We ended up standing around the stove just picking at the leftover bits because no one wanted to wait for a proper plate. It turned a simple meal into a shared event we still talk about.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: They hold their shape well and develop the best crispy edges when fried.
- Red and green bell peppers: These add a sweet crunch that balances the heat from the spices.
- Red onion: Its mild sharpness infuses the oil with a savory base flavor.
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that gives the dish a deep savory aroma.
- Cayenne pepper: Adjust this amount to control just how fiery you want the hash to be.
- Olive oil and butter: Mixing these ensures the potatoes cook through without burning while tasting rich.
- Eggs: Serving this with a runny yolk creates a sauce that ties everything together.
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes:
- Soak the diced potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch and keep them from getting gummy. Pat them completely dry with a towel before they touch the oil.
- Crisp the potatoes:
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the potatoes in a single layer until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Soften the vegetables:
- Add the remaining oil along with the onions and peppers to the skillet. Saute them until they are soft and starting to char slightly.
- Add the aromatics:
- Stir in the garlic and spices to coat the vegetables evenly. Let everything cook for just a couple of minutes to bloom the flavors.
- Add the eggs:
- Create small wells in the hash and crack an egg into each one. Cover the pan and let them cook until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
Save Pin This recipe saved a rainy afternoon when nothing else sounded appetizing. The warmth of the spices and the heartiness of the potatoes made the whole house feel cozy instantly.
Making It Your Own
You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what you have in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This hash pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted sourdough bread to soak up the juices.
Storage Advice
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a quick lunch the next day.
- Reheat it in a skillet to bring back the crunch.
- Add a splash of water if it seems too dry.
- Avoid using the microwave as it makes the potatoes rubbery.
Save Pin Grab a fork and enjoy the spicy comfort of this hearty brunch dish. It is guaranteed to become a weekend favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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Yes, dice the vegetables and mix the spice blend up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. The dish cooks quickly, so last-minute preparation takes just minutes.
- → What's the best way to get crispy potatoes?
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Soaking diced potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, preventing sticking and promoting crispiness. Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking, and avoid overcrowding the skillet so they brown rather than steam.
- → Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
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Absolutely. Sweet potatoes work beautifully here and add lovely sweetness to balance the spices. They may cook slightly faster than russets, so start checking for tenderness after 8-10 minutes.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
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Reduce cayenne to ¼ teaspoon for mild heat, or omit entirely. For more kick, increase to 1 teaspoon. The smoked paprika adds flavor without significant heat, so keep that quantity steady.
- → What proteins pair well with this?
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Fried or poached eggs nestled on top create a complete meal. Crispy bacon, chorizo, or vegetarian sausage crumbles also complement beautifully. Serve alongside avocado toast for a substantial brunch spread.
