1. Boil the unpeeled new potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, not soft, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, cool, and then cut into bite-size chunks.
2. Slice the onion, red pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, and chard into similar thicknesses for even cooking.
3. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the potatoes and a little salt and pepper and saute until browned, about 10 minutes, shaking the pan on occasion. Add the onion, pepper, and mushrooms and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft. Add the zucchini and chard and cook for 5 minutes longer, until all vegetables are nicely browned along with the potatoes. Season with a little more salt and pepper.
4. Poach the eggs just before new potato hash is done. Have a medium pot of water simmering at a rapid speed. One at a time, crack the eggs into a small bowl, then gently slip them into the simmering water. Poach the eggs 2 minutes for soft yolks or longer if you like them harder. One at a time, scoop out the poached eggs with a slotted spoon and gently rest on a towel for just a second to soak up any water.
5. To serve, divide the hash among bowls; top each serving with a poached egg, salsa, and sour cream. Sprinkle with the parsley or cilantro to finish.
This made a good, honest, satisfying lunch. No wow factor, nothing compelling, but sometimes you just want something hearty. You’ve probably made something similar, but this hash included several vegetables and could be switched up seasonally. It’s a great way to use up odd bits and pieces from the fridge. It reminded me of diner food. Salsa fresca was a great finish along with the poached eggs. I didn’t use the optional sour cream—there was enough fat for my taste already. The recipe specifies new potatoes, which I used, but I don’t think it’d be necessary as they’re boiled then fried. I’d consider making this using chives instead of parsley.
New Potato Hash with Poached Eggs Recipe © 2009 Romney Steele. Photo © 2009 Sara Remington. All rights reserved. All recipes and photos used with permission of the publisher.