FRIED POTATOES AND ONIONS

### Instructions

#### 1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes (if desired) and cutting them into thin slices or small cubes, depending on your preference. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will get, but thicker slices will have a soft, fluffy interior. If you’re making cubes, aim for bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Once cut, place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps the potatoes crisp up better when frying. After soaking, drain and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.

#### 2. Prepare the Onions
Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or half-moon shapes. The onions will cook down and caramelize, adding sweetness and flavor to the dish. If you prefer your onions more savory and less sweet, you can reduce the cooking time.

#### 3. Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil (and butter, if using). Heat the oil until it shimmers but isn’t smoking. The oil should be hot enough to fry the potatoes and onions without them becoming soggy.

#### 4. Cook the Potatoes
Add the sliced potatoes to the pan in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes so they can get a crispy, golden exterior. Then, flip the potatoes with a spatula or tongs and continue frying, turning occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. Cook until the potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.

#### 5. Add the Onions
Once the potatoes are almost done, add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir them in with the potatoes and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the onions soften and caramelize. The onions should turn a lovely golden brown, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.

#### 6. Season to Taste
Season the fried potatoes and onions with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, sprinkle in garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

#### 7. Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked and perfectly golden, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the fried potatoes and onions to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

### Tips for Success:
– **Potato Variations:** While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are commonly used, you can experiment with other varieties like fingerling or sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor.
– **Crispy Potatoes:** For the crispiest potatoes, make sure they’re dry before adding them to the hot oil. Also, cooking in batches if your pan is small will prevent overcrowding, allowing the potatoes to fry evenly.
– **Onion Sweetness:** If you prefer sweeter onions, you can let them cook longer to develop a deep caramelization. For a more savory flavor, cook them for less time until they are just softened.
– **Make It a Meal:** To make this dish more filling, you can add bacon bits, sausage, or eggs. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.

### Why You’ll Love This Dish:
– **Simple Ingredients:** With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and comforting. The combination of potatoes and onions is timeless.
– **Customizable:** Feel free to play with seasonings and add-ins to match your taste. Whether you prefer it more garlicky, spicy, or herby, this dish can be tailored to your liking.
– **Versatile:** Fried potatoes and onions make a great side dish, but they can also stand on their own as a breakfast or even as a late-night snack. Add a fried egg on top, and you have an easy and satisfying meal.

Fried potatoes and onions are the perfect comfort food—crispy, flavorful, and full of heart. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish will always hit the spot. So, grab your skillet, and enjoy this simple yet delicious treat any time of day!