Lunch: Hash Browns with Leeks and Bell Peppers

Recipe by Susan Spungen The sweet flavors of leeks and bell peppers contrast well with the earthy taste of the russet potatoes.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks
1/2 bell pepper (green or red)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
2 lb. russet potatoes
2 tsp. thyme
1 tbsp. butter

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10" nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and bell pepper; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and just golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside; rinse and dry skillet.
Meanwhile, grate potatoes on large holes of a box grater. Working quickly (they discolor after grating) with a small handful at a time, firmly squeeze potatoes to remove as much liquid as possible (it's important for the grated potatoes to be as dry as possible before cooking to prevent them from sticking to the skillet); discard liquid and transfer potatoes to bowl with leek mixture.
Add thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to mixture; toss well.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add potato mixture; press down firmly with a rubber spatula to form a potato cake. Tidy the edges, then cook, gently shaking skillet from time to time to prevent sticking, until cake is a deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
Loosen edges, then gently slide hash browns onto a large plate. While heating remaining butter and olive oil in skillet, place a second plate on top of hash browns and flip (so cooked side will face up). Glide inverted cake back into the warmed skillet and cook until deep golden brown on second side, 8 to 10 minutes. Slide hash browns onto a platter. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve.

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