{ Hash browns}

Preparation time: 30 m to 1 hour

Cook time: 10 to 30 mins

Serve: 8 hash browns

Hash browns are one of those brilliant recipes that taste amazing, look impressive and take very little effort. A welcome addition to any breakfast or lunch.

At the market

4 medium floury potatoes, peeled (like Maris Piper or King Edwards)

1 medium onion

1 egg, beaten

Salt and pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

At the kitchen

1) Coarsely grate the potatoes and onion into a clean tea towel and then squeeze out the excess liquid by twisting the towel.

2) Place the mix in a large bowl.

3) Add the egg, a good couple of pinches of salt and freshly ground black pepper (you need to salt the mixture well otherwise the hash browns can be quite bland).

4) Mix the ingredients well.

5) Heat a good glug of oil in a heavy based frying pan over a medium–high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), add spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan and flatten into patties about 1cm/½in thick. Flip over once browned and crispy – about 2–3 minutes each side.

6) Serve hot as a breakfast or supper side dish. Especially good with bacon and eggs.

By The BBC Food team