Servings: 12 Hash Browns
Equipment
- 1 Freeze Dryer and trays
- 1 Breville Sous Chef for shredding (optional)
- 1 Mylar bags or Mason jars sufficient quantity for storage
- 1 Oxygen absorbers for each bag or jar
- 1 Heat sealer
Ingredients
- 3.2 lbs starchy potatoes per medium freeze dryer tray
Instructions
Preparing Shredded Potatoes
- Choose starchy potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold for best results.
- Wash and peel if desired.
- Prepare blanching water by filling a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt and bringing to a boil.
- Coarsely grate the potatoes using a food processor or hand grater.
- Immediately add shredded potatoes to the boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes.
- Transfer potatoes to an ice bath using a slotted spoon to stop cooking.
- Drain the cooled potatoes and spread them on tea towels and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Evenly spread the dried, shredded potatoes on freeze dryer trays.
- Place trays in the freezer for at 48 hours to reduce freeze-drying time (optional).
Freeze Drying Shredded Potatoes
- Load trays into the freeze dryer and start the freeze-dry cycle according to your machine's instructions.
- Ensure potatoes are completely dry - light, airy, and no cold spots.
- Transfer to Mylar bags or Mason jars for storage and add an oxygen absorber to each container.
- Seal and label with contents and date.
Rehydrating Shredded Potatoes
- Place shredded potatoes in a bowl (or leave in Mason jar).
- Cover with warm water and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
Make Hash Browns
- Rehydrate as above.
- Heat oil or ghee in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Spread rehdyrated potatoes evenly over the bottom of the frying pan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
- Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve hot (with bacon and eggs!).
Notes
- Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes like Russet for crispier results.
- Blanching Tip: Blanching prevents discoloration by deactivating enzymes.
- Storage Life: Properly packaged, freeze-dried potatoes can last for years.
- Versatile Use: Great for hash browns, casseroles, soups, and more.
- Hash Browns: You can get as creative as you like with the recipe. When using the instructions above, don't worry if it falls apart a little when flipping, just smoosh it back together.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
