Home Fries

Steps

1. 1

   Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 500 °F (260 °C).

2. 2

   Bring 10 cups water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat.

3. 3

   Add potatoes and baking soda. Return to boil and cook for 1 minute.

   Start 1-minute timer
4. 4

   Drain potatoes. Return potatoes to Dutch oven and place over low heat.

5. 5

   Cook, shaking pot occasionally, until any surface moisture has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

   Start 2-minute timer
6. 6

   Add butter, 1½ teaspoons salt, and cayenne; mix with rubber spatula until potatoes are coated with thick, starchy paste, about 30 seconds.

   Start 30-second timer
7. 7

   Remove baking sheet from oven and drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil.

8. 8

   Transfer potatoes to baking sheet and spread into even layer. Roast for 15 minutes.

   Start 15-minute timer
9. 9

   While potatoes roast, combine onions, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and ½ teaspoon salt in bowl.

10. 10

    Remove baking sheet from oven. Using thin, sharp metal spatula, scrape and turn potatoes.

11. 11

    Clear about 8 by 5-inch space in center of baking sheet and add onion mixture. Roast for 15 minutes.

    Start 15-minute timer
12. 12

    Scrape and turn again, mixing onions into potatoes.

13. 13

    Continue to roast until potatoes are well browned and onions are softened and beginning to brown, 5 to 10 minutes.

    Start 10-minute timer
14. 14

    Stir in chives and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.