Potato Hash or Boil and Fry…different name, same concept.  But when I think of Boil and fry it evokes a warm, comfy feeling that I don’t get when I think of Hash.  It was a meal that my mom would quickly throw together for a satisfying and yummy dinner.  You can easily add a meat and vegetable on the side to make a complete dish.

Boil and Fry is typically made with ground provisions, such as cassava, or sweet potatoes, basically any starchy vegetable.   It can be made with one vegetable or any combination, whatever your heart desires.  Today I have 2 West Indian sweet potatoes(boniato or white sweet potato) and an appetite for something homey, simply and satisfying.  This dish fulfills my needs.

Boiled and Fried Sweet Potato

2 white sweet potatoes cut up

water

1 medium onion, sliced

2 scallion, chopped finely

2 cloves garlic, finely sliced

1 hot cherry pepper or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp canola oil

1/4 tsp salt plus 1/2 tsp to salt water

1/4 tsp paprika

black pepper to taste

Place sweet potato and salt in a pot, with enough water to cover the sweet potato,  over a medium fire and bring to a boil.  Cook for about 20 mins or until tender ( this will vary according to the size of the pieces).  Remove from fire and strain.  Set aside.

In a frying pan over a medium fire and 1 tbsp oil.  When oil is hot add onion and sautee for about 3 minutes, add garlic and sautee for additional minute.  Add sweet potatoes, pepper, paprika, salt and black pepper.  Fry for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle scallion over top and remove from the fire.  Serve immediately.