Crispy Cheese-and-Potato Hash from Slovenia
Frika Potato and Cheese Hash is a rustic dish with big flavor—diced or shredded potatoes, plenty of cheese, herbs and optional pancetta or fat, cooked until the exterior is deeply golden and crisp. Though simple, this vegetarian-friendly dish packs a comforting, hearty punch and works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. If you’re looking for a new potato-based recipe that delivers texture and warmth, this Frika hash is a standout.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (about 450 g) potatoes (peeled and diced or grated)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or 1 tbsp butter (or 1 tbsp lard/pancetta fat if non-vegetarian)
- 5 oz (≈150 g) semi-hard cheese (e.g., Tolminc or similar) grated
- 1.8 oz (≈50 g) hard cheese (e.g., aged Tolminc or Parmesan) grated
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano or lovage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
➜ Peel and dice or grate the potatoes. If grated, rinse under cold water and squeeze dry to remove excess starch.
➜ In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil (or fat) and heat until warm. Add the potatoes in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and golden (about 15–18 minutes).
➜ Add half the cheeses and herbs to the potato mix. Stir to combine until the cheese begins to melt into the potatoes.
➜ Press the mixture evenly into the pan and cook without stirring for 5 minutes so a crust forms. Then flip the whole assembly (using a plate or spatula) and cook the other side for 5 minutes to achieve golden crispness.
➜ Sprinkle the remaining cheese and herbs on top, allow any residual cheese to melt, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Pro Tips (FAQ-Style)
Can I skip meat or fat?
Yes. Use olive oil or butter instead of pancetta or lard to keep it vegetarian.
What cheese should I use if I can’t find Tolminc?
Use a semi-hard cheese like Gruyère or Fontina, and a harder cheese like Parmesan or aged cheddar for the crust effect.
Can I use sweet potatoes or other vegetables?
You can experiment, but note that texture and crisping will differ—regular starchy potatoes give the best crisp crust.
Nutrition Summary
This Frika hash is rich in flavor, combining potatoes and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian dish.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~1 portion (½ recipe) | ~380 kcal | ~14 g | ~42 g | ~18 g | ~3 g | ~2 g |
Nutrition facts are estimated.
