A hearty, homestyle meal that’s simple, delicious, and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare each element with extra tips for the perfect texture and flavor.
Fried Potatoes with Onions
Golden, crispy potatoes with caramelized onions make the perfect side dish.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced or diced)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp canola oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Garlic powder, paprika, or parsley for additional flavor
Instructions:
- Prep the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) or small cubes for quicker cooking. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up better. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Slice the onion: Peel and slice the onion into thin strips. This ensures the onions cook evenly and caramelize perfectly.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan but not deep-fry.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the potatoes to the hot skillet in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip them and repeat until evenly browned.
- Add the onions: Once the potatoes are halfway done, stir in the sliced onions. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the potatoes are tender and crispy.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like garlic powder or paprika. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve hot.
Pro Tips:
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet; this helps achieve crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, use a cast-iron skillet.
Salmon Patties
Quick, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.75 oz) salmon (undrained, bones optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (crushed)
- 2-3 tbsp canola oil (for frying)
- Optional: A dash of garlic powder, paprika, or hot sauce for a flavor boost
Instructions:
- Prep the salmon: Open the can of salmon and dump everything (liquid included) into a large mixing bowl. If preferred, remove the large bones, though they are edible and full of calcium.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the egg and crushed saltine crackers to the salmon. Use a fork to mix thoroughly, breaking up the salmon and combining it into a cohesive mixture.
- If the mixture is too wet or mushy, add more crushed crackers a little at a time until it holds together when shaped.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape them into round, flat patties, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
- Fry the patties: Place the salmon patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Pro Tips:
- For a slightly crispier texture, roll the patties in breadcrumbs before frying.
- Serve with a dipping sauce, like tartar sauce or lemon-dill aioli, for added flavor.
Green Beans
A simple and classic veggie side that complements this meal beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the beans: If using fresh green beans, snap off the ends and rinse well. Steam or boil the beans for 5-7 minutes (3-4 minutes for frozen) until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and season: Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Pro Tips:
- Add cooked bacon bits or sliced almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a Southern twist, cook the green beans with a bit of bacon grease and diced onions.
Serving Suggestions
Plate up the meal with the crispy fried potatoes, golden salmon patties, and tender green beans for a balanced and flavorful dinner. Add a side of cornbread or biscuits for an extra Southern flair!
This meal is easy to customize, freezes well (especially the salmon patties), and brings together timeless comfort food flavors. Enjoy! 🍽️