Ingredients:
- 1 lb Sweet Potato (450 g), peeled
- 1/4 medium Red Onion (30 g), finely diced or grated
- 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp Cornflour (Cornstarch)
- 3/4 tsp Fine Sea Salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp High-Heat Oil (e.g., Avocado or Light Olive Oil)
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Peel the sweet potatoes and grate them using the coarse side of a box grater or the grating disc of a food processor. Finely dice or grate the onion.
- Season and Drain: Place the grated sweet potato and onion into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle with half of the salt. Let stand for 5 minutes; the salt will start drawing out the moisture.
- The Critical Squeeze: Transfer the grated mixture onto the centre of a clean kitchen towel. Gather the corners of the towel tightly and twist, squeezing with considerable force over the sink or a bowl until almost all the liquid has been expelled. This step determines the crispness.
- Bind the Mixture: Transfer the dried potato back into the bowl. Add the lightly beaten egg, cornflour, remaining salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniformly coated and feels slightly tacky.
- Shape the Patties: Scoop about 1/2 cup (or 60g) of the mixture and form it into a firm, compact patty (about 3 inches/7 cm wide and 1/2 inch/1.2 cm thick). Place the shaped patties onto a plate or parchment paper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oil in the non-stick frying pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the First Batch: Carefully place four hash browns into the hot pan, ensuring they do not touch. Flatten them slightly with the spatula if they have puffed up. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes without moving them until the edges are deep golden brown and firm.
- Second Side Cook: Carefully flip the hash browns and cook the second side for 5 to 7 minutes, or until cooked through and beautifully crisp.
- Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked hash browns to a wire rack (to prevent steaming). Add the remaining oil to the pan and repeat with the second batch. Serve immediately.