. A chef may prepare hash browns by either grating potato or forming riced potatoes into
patties before frying with onions (moisture and potato
starch can hold them together); however, if a binding agent is added (egg or flour for example), such a preparation constitutes a
potato pancake. Hash browns are sometimes made into patty form and frozen for ease of handling, and the compact, flat shape can also be cooked in a
toaster oven or toaster. For best results, in both cooking and flavor, it is recommended that hash browns be made using starchy potatoes such as
russet potatoes. If a dish of hash browned potatoes incorporates chopped
meat, leftovers, or other
vegetables, it is commonly referred to as
hash. Hash browns are also manufactured as a
dehydrated food, which is sometimes used by
backpackers. In the United States,
hash browns may refer to shredded, pan-fried potatoes or diced/cubed potatoes, the latter also being known as
country fried potatoes or
home fries. == See also ==