Fried potatoes and onions, a timeless comfort food, hold a special place in the hearts of many. This humble yet delectable dish features thinly sliced potatoes and onions, cooked to golden perfection in a pan. Its simplicity and heartiness have made it a beloved staple in kitchens around the world.

What Makes Fried potatoes and onions Unique?

Name: Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Classic
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: ⦁ - ¼ cup (55 g vegetable oil (such as canola)); ⦁ - 3 medium Russet potatoes (peeled); ⦁ - 1 large yellow onion (sliced thinly); ⦁ - Salt and pepper (to taste); - ½ teaspoon (2 g garlic powder); - 1 teaspoon (2 g red pepper flakes); - 1 tablespoon (3 g chives (chopped, to add to finished potatoes))

What sets fried potatoes and onions apart is their harmonious marriage of flavors and textures. The crispiness of the fried potatoes contrasts beautifully with the soft, caramelized onions. The combination of starchy and sweet elements creates a mouthwatering balance that’s hard to resist. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a breakfast side, a comforting dinner accompaniment, or even a satisfying brunch option.

Why People Love it So Much

People adore fried potatoes and onions for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients, making it accessible to cooks of all levels. Secondly, the aroma that fills the kitchen while cooking is irresistible, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Thirdly, its versatility allows for customization with herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of cheese to suit individual tastes.

How to Store and Make it at Home

Storing this dish is rarely necessary since it tends to disappear quickly, but if you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for a day or two. To make it at home, start by thinly slicing peeled potatoes and onions. In a hot skillet, heat oil or butter until it shimmers, then add the potatoes and onions. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Fry them over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers satisfying results every time.

Ingredients for Fried Potatoes and Onions

⦁ – ¼ cup (55 g) vegetable oil (such as canola)
⦁ – 3 medium Russet potatoes (peeled)
⦁ – 1 large yellow onion (sliced thinly)
⦁ – Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

– ½ teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon (2 g) red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon (3 g) chives (chopped, to add to finished potatoes)

Explanation of Ingredients:

– Vegetable oil (such as canola): Vegetable oil is used for frying potatoes and onions. It’s a neutral oil that can handle high heat without smoking, ensuring your fried potatoes and onions turn crispy and delicious.

– Medium Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for fried potatoes due to their high starch content. When sliced thinly and fried, they become wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

– Large yellow onion: Sliced thinly and caramelized, the yellow onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the dish. It complements the earthy flavors of the potatoes perfectly.

– Salt and pepper: These common seasonings are used to enhance the flavor of the dish. They provide a balance of saltiness and a touch of heat from the pepper.

Optional Add-ins:

– Garlic powder: Adding garlic powder infuses a mild garlic flavor into the dish, enhancing its overall taste with a hint of savory goodness.

– Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to give the fried potatoes and onions a subtle kick.

– Chives (chopped, to add to finished potatoes): Chopped chives make a delightful garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color to the final dish. They provide a mild onion flavor without the intensity of raw onions.

Steps to make Fried Potatoes and Onions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by asking a grown-up for help and heat up the vegetable oil, about ¼ cup, in a sauté pan or a big skillet. You want the oil to get all nice and hot over medium-high heat. It’s like getting ready to cook something delicious!

Step 2: Slice the Onions and Potatoes

Now, take those three medium Russet potatoes and peel them. Ask your grown-up to help with this part, too. Then, slice the potatoes and one large yellow onion into thin pieces, about ¼-inch thick. It’s like creating potato and onion coins!

Step 3: Cook and Season

Carefully add those potato and onion slices into the hot oil. Be careful because the oil can be hot! Sprinkle some salt and pepper to make them taste yummy. If you like a little extra flavor, you can also add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. It’s like giving your potatoes and onions a special touch.

Step 4: Cook Until They’re Brown and Tender

Now, keep stirring the potatoes and onions often. Watch them cook until they turn a beautiful brown color and get all soft and tender. This might take about 10-15 minutes. If you want them to be even creamier, you can cover the skillet with a lid while they cook.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

When they’re done cooking and looking all yummy, carefully take them out of the skillet and put them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any extra oil. If you want to make them look even fancier, sprinkle some chopped chives on top. Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade fried potatoes and onions!

Nutrition Facts

⦁ – Calories: 246 kcal
⦁ – Carbohydrates: 29 g
⦁ – Protein: 3 g
⦁ – Fat: 14 g
⦁ – Saturated Fat: 3 g
⦁ – Sodium: 11 mg
⦁ – Potassium: 705 mg
⦁ – Fiber: 5 g
⦁ – Sugar: 3 g
⦁ – Calcium: 23 mg
⦁ – Iron: 1 mg

Fried Potatoes and Onions: A Comforting Classic

🍽️ Craving a comforting classic? Look no further! 😊 Dive into the world of Fried Potatoes and Onions, where golden-brown, crispy potatoes mingle with caramelized onions for a warm, homely delight. 🥔🧅 Easy to make and even easier to love, this dish is a taste of nostalgia that will make your heart smile. 😋✨ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you need a little extra coziness in your day. 💕

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 16

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients for Fried Potatoes and Onions

⦁ - ¼ cup 55 g vegetable oil (such as canola)
⦁ - 3 medium Russet potatoes peeled
⦁ - 1 large yellow onion sliced thinly
⦁ - Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

- ½ teaspoon 2 g garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 2 g red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon 3 g chives (chopped, to add to finished potatoes)

Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Heat the Oil

Let's kick things off! 🍳 Ask a grown-up to lend a hand and get the party started by heating up about ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a sauté pan or a roomy skillet. 🌟 We're talking sizzle, folks!

🥔 Step 2: Slice the Onions and Potatoes

Now, here comes the fun part! 🥔🧅 With the help of your trusty grown-up sous chef, peel and slice three medium Russet potatoes and one large yellow onion into thin ¼-inch pieces. It's all about creating those golden, savory potato and onion coins! 💰

🧂 Step 3: Cook and Season

Time to add some sizzle to those slices! Carefully introduce your potato and onion pals to the hot oil. But watch out, it's a bit of a hot tub in there! 💦 Sprinkle on a pinch of salt and pepper to kickstart the flavor journey. Feeling adventurous? How about a dash of garlic powder (½ tsp) and a hint of red pepper flakes (1 tsp) for an extra flavor boost? 🌶️ Give your potatoes and onions some love.

🌄 Step 4: Cook Until They're Brown and Tender

Get ready for the magic show! ✨ Stir those potato and onion slices like a pro, letting them dance in the pan until they're dressed in a beautiful brown hue and turn all soft and tender. It's like cooking up a symphony of flavors! 🎶 This could take around 10-15 minutes. Want extra creaminess? Pop a lid on your skillet while they cook.

🍽️ Step 5: Drain and Serve

The grand finale! 🥁 Gently scoop out your fabulous fried potatoes and onions onto a plate lined with paper towels. This helps them say goodbye to any excess oil. 🎩✨ For a touch of fancy, sprinkle on some freshly chopped chives. Voilà! Your homemade fried potatoes and onions are ready to dazzle your taste buds. Enjoy! 🌟😋

Notes

Nutrition Facts

⦁ - Calories: 230 kcal
⦁ - Carbohydrates: 29 g
⦁ - Protein: 3 g
⦁ - Fat: 14 g
⦁ - Saturated Fat: 3 g
⦁ - Sodium: 11 mg
⦁ - Potassium: 705 mg
⦁ - Fiber: 5 g
⦁ - Sugar: 3 g
⦁ - Calcium: 23 mg
⦁ - Iron: 1 mg

Keyword Fried Potatoes and Onions

Steps to avoid while preparing Fried Potatoes and Onions

1. Using the Wrong Potatoes: Don’t use waxy potatoes like red potatoes or fingerlings. These won’t give you the desired crispiness. Stick to starchy potatoes like Russet for the best results.

2. Overcrowding the Pan: Avoid adding too many potatoes and onions at once. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking, making it challenging to achieve that golden brown and crispy texture.

3. Skipping the Pat-Dry Step: After slicing the potatoes, don’t forget to pat them dry with a paper towel. Skipping this step can result in excess moisture, making it difficult to achieve the desired crispiness.

4. Not Using Enough Oil: Frying requires a sufficient amount of oil to cook the potatoes and onions evenly. Don’t skimp on the oil, but also, don’t go overboard and make them overly greasy.

5. Using High Heat Throughout: While you want a hot pan to get that crispy exterior, avoid using high heat throughout the entire cooking process. Lower the heat if the potatoes and onions are browning too quickly to allow them to cook evenly.

6. Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your potatoes and onions with salt and pepper. Skipping seasoning can result in a bland dish.

7. Stirring Too Often: While it’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, don’t overdo it. Stirring too often can break the potatoes apart and interfere with achieving that perfect crispiness.

8. Not Draining Excess Oil: After frying, avoid placing the potatoes and onions directly on a plate without draining excess oil. Use paper towels to absorb any extra oil, ensuring a less greasy and more enjoyable dish.

FAQ

1. Question: How do I achieve that perfect crispy texture when frying potatoes and onions?
Answer: To get crispy fried potatoes and onions, make sure to slice them thinly, use enough oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Patting the potatoes dry before frying also helps.

2. Question: Can I use any type of potato for fried potatoes and onions?
Answer: While you can use different types of potatoes, starchy varieties like Russet potatoes work best for achieving the desired crispiness.

3. Question: What seasonings should I use for fried potatoes and onions?
Answer: For classic flavor, season with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or other seasonings to suit your taste.

4. Question: How do I prevent my fried potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Answer: To avoid sticking, use a well-seasoned skillet or a non-stick pan, and make sure the potatoes have enough space in the pan to cook evenly.

5. Question: Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before frying them?
Answer: Peeling is optional. Some people prefer the texture and flavor of fried potatoes with the skin on, while others like them peeled.

6. Question: What type of oil is best for frying potatoes and onions?
Answer: Vegetable oils like canola or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

7. Question: Can I make fried potatoes and onions in advance and reheat them?
Answer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat leftover fried potatoes and onions in the oven or on a stovetop for a crispy texture.

8. Question: How can I make my fried potatoes and onions healthier?
Answer: To make them healthier, consider using less oil or opting for an air fryer. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

9. Question: Are there any creative variations of fried potatoes and onions to try?
Answer: Absolutely! You can experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or even add bacon or cheese for unique flavor combinations.

10. Question: What dishes can I pair with fried potatoes and onions for a complete meal?
Answer: Fried potatoes and onions make a versatile side dish. They pair well with breakfast items like eggs and bacon, or as a tasty accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables for lunch or dinner.