This is a quick and easy hash browns variant that works well for breakfast with eggs or as a side dish with dinner. The recipe as given is not too spicy, but you can adjust the heat based on the tolerance level of those who will be eating it.
Ingredients
4 Cups Shredded Potatoes
1/4 Cup Red Bell Pepper, Diced
1/4 Cup Sweet Onion, Diced
1 Fresh Jalapeno, Diced
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil (or Bacon Grease)
1 – 2 Tablespoons Cholula Hot Sauce
1 Cup Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
2 Slices Bacon, Crumbled (Optional)
Season Salt to Taste
Directions
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the oil or bacon grease. If you are adding the optional crumbled bacon at the end, you can cook those two slices first in the skillet and the remaining drippings should be sufficient for the recipe. Add the veggies to the oil and sauté for about two minutes. You can substitute a 1/4 cup of green bell pepper for the jalapeno if cooking this for those who prefer less heat. Then just add a little more Cholula sauce to your portion later!
For the potatoes, if you happen to want to peel and shred the spuds, then soak those in water, then dry them off, feel free (more on how to do that at this link). I just buy the frozen or refrigerated hash browns and those seem to work perfectly well (thus the quick and easy part of this recipe). Add the potatoes to the sautéed vegetables and turn the heat up to medium-high. Add season salt (or just salt and pepper) and cook for five to ten minutes, stirring and flipping often. (Go easy on the seasoning at this point and adjust as needed right before adding the cheese.)
When the potatoes have browned, add the hot sauce and stir. Then add the cheese (and bacon) over the top of the potatoes and work that in a little with the spatula. Cook for about another minute or two without stirring. Remove from heat and cover for about another minute or two until the shredded cheese is melted. Serve with eggs of your choice or as a side dish instead of a baked potato or fries, and add a little more Cholula if you want extra spice!