French Fry Hash

I don't like to waste food no matter what it is.  It's been drilled into me since day one.  My German grandparents ate potatoes and used the extra money to buy food and send it to the relatives in Germany after WWII to keep them alive.  These are not old family stories--many of these people still alive and I know them.


Besides, I have fun thinking up new ways to use leftovers and keep food, a precious resource, out of landfills. I have been known to cook down tortilla chip leftovers to make tamales.  

Last Saturday I treated myself to fish & chips at Sunfish on Alki. A couple of Greek guys do the cooking and take off when the weather turns bad.  It was great, but I didn't eat all of the french fries because I am trying to watch my quantities these days.  I could have tossed them, but I just knew they could become something really good--they are potatoes that are already cooked and come with their own lubrication.  I took them home and came up with french fry hash for Sunday breakfast.  I can certifiably say that french fries make great, quick hash.  I am contemplating leftover garlic fries from the ballpark for my next batch. 

 FRENCH FRY HASH

4 oz leftover french fries, sliced into cubes (makes 1 cup of potatoes)

1/3-1/2 cup chopped red or other peppers*

1/2 cup chopped onion*

grated cheese (optional)

Heat a large cast iron or nonstick pan over med/high heat.  When hot, add a wee bit of oil or butter or bacon grease, let it melt, and add the onions and peppers. 

Cook the onions and peppers until they are soft and a little charred, maybe 5-10 minutes.  Then add the potatoes and cook until they are crispy and a little browned, about 5 minutes more.  

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Turn off the heat and if you want to melt some cheese over them, now is the time to do it and then let them sit for a minute or two with a lid on.

Enjoy!

*If you are lazy or don't know how to chop peppers and onions, then you can buy them frozen at Trader Joe's, probably elsewhere as well.