Hash Hoppel Poppel: A Delicious and Customizable Breakfast (or Dinner!) Recipe
Hash Hoppel Poppel, often simply called Hoppel Poppel, is a wonderfully simple and satisfying dish rooted in German-American cuisine. It’s a hearty scramble featuring potatoes, onions, and often ham or sausage, all cooked together in a skillet and then scrambled with eggs. Think of it as a more robust and customizable cousin to your everyday scrambled eggs. The beauty of Hoppel Poppel lies in its adaptability; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes and what you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meats and vegetables, making it a budget-friendly and sustainable meal option.
This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a quick and easy dinner. It’s incredibly filling and flavorful, providing a great source of protein and carbohydrates to fuel your day. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weekend meal or a speedy weeknight supper, Hoppel Poppel is a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
## What Makes Hoppel Poppel So Great?
* **Versatile:** As mentioned, the recipe is incredibly flexible. Substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have available. Don’t have ham? Use bacon, sausage, or even cooked chicken. Not a fan of onions? Try bell peppers or mushrooms instead. The possibilities are endless!
* **Easy to Make:** Hoppel Poppel requires minimal culinary skills. It’s essentially a matter of chopping, sautéing, and scrambling – perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** From start to finish, you can have a steaming plate of Hoppel Poppel ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or evenings.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are generally inexpensive and readily available. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget, especially when using leftovers.
* **Delicious and Satisfying:** The combination of savory meat, tender potatoes, flavorful onions, and creamy eggs creates a truly irresistible dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe provides a foundation for your Hoppel Poppel. Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients to your liking.
* **Potatoes:** 1-2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced. Russet potatoes are a good choice, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes will also work well.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, diced. Yellow or white onions are commonly used.
* **Cooked Meat:** 1 cup diced cooked ham, sausage, bacon, or any other leftover cooked meat. If using bacon, cook it until crispy first and then crumble it.
* **Eggs:** 4-6 large eggs, depending on how many servings you want. A good rule of thumb is 2 eggs per person.
* **Milk or Cream (optional):** 1-2 tablespoons. Adding milk or cream to the eggs will make them even creamier.
* **Butter or Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons. Use butter for a richer flavor or oil for a lighter option.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Bell peppers (diced), mushrooms (sliced), cheese (shredded), fresh herbs (chopped, such as parsley or chives), hot sauce.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Hoppel Poppel.
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly.
* Dice the onion into small pieces.
* If using raw bacon, cook it until crispy and then crumble it. If using pre-cooked meat, dice it into small pieces.
* Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. If using, add milk or cream to the eggs and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Prepare any other optional add-ins, such as dicing bell peppers or slicing mushrooms.
**2. Cook the Potatoes and Onions:**
* Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.
* Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and brown slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the potatoes start to stick to the pan, add a little more butter or oil.
* Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Continue to stir occasionally.
**3. Add the Meat (and Other Vegetables):**
* Add the diced cooked meat (ham, sausage, bacon, etc.) to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, until heated through. If you’re using any other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the meat and cook until softened.
**4. Pour in the Eggs:**
* Pour the whisked eggs over the mixture in the skillet. Make sure the eggs are evenly distributed.
**5. Scramble the Eggs:**
* Let the eggs cook for a minute or two, until they start to set around the edges. Then, using a spatula, gently push the cooked egg from the edges towards the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath. Continue this process until the eggs are mostly cooked but still slightly moist. Be careful not to overcook the eggs, as they will become dry and rubbery.
**6. Add Cheese (Optional):**
* If using cheese, sprinkle it over the Hoppel Poppel during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt slightly.
**7. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Hoppel Poppel immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Use Leftovers:** Hoppel Poppel is a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Cooked chicken, roast beef, or even vegetables like roasted broccoli or asparagus can be added to the mix.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the eggs for a bit of heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
* **Add Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even crumbled feta.
* **Serve with Sides:** Hoppel Poppel is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with sides like toast, biscuits, fruit salad, or a side of salsa.
* **Potato Preparation:** For faster cooking, you can parboil the diced potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will help them soften more quickly.
* **Egg Consistency:** Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired egg consistency. If you prefer your eggs more well-done, cook them for a longer period of time. If you like them runnier, cook them for a shorter period of time.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh herbs directly to the skillet during cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano are all great choices.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Before the eggs fully set, dot small dollops of cream cheese over the surface and swirl them in for a creamy and tangy twist.
* **Dutch Oven Method:** For even cooking and a rustic presentation, consider making Hoppel Poppel in a Dutch oven. It’s especially great for camping or outdoor cooking.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, a typical serving of Hoppel Poppel made with potatoes, onions, ham, and eggs will provide:
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
This dish is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. It can be a healthy and satisfying meal, especially when made with lean meats and plenty of vegetables.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve Hoppel Poppel as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. Pair it with toast, muffins, or fruit salad.
* **Lunch:** Enjoy Hoppel Poppel as a filling and satisfying lunch. Pack it in a container for a convenient on-the-go meal.
* **Dinner:** Serve Hoppel Poppel as a quick and easy dinner. Add a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Party Food:** Hoppel Poppel can be served as an appetizer or party snack. Cut it into small squares or serve it in individual ramekins.
## Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hoppel Poppel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that the eggs may become slightly rubbery upon reheating.
## Hoppel Poppel: A Culinary Canvas
Hoppel Poppel is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary canvas that allows you to express your creativity and adapt to your dietary needs and preferences. Embrace the versatility of this dish and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Hoppel Poppel is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy your homemade Hoppel Poppel!