Home Fries

Directions

1. 1
   Warm the butter in a 10- to 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
2. 2
   Stir in the potatoes, and when coated with a bit of butter, season them with salt and pepper and cover the skillet.
3. 3
   Cook for 20 minutes.
4. 4
   Uncover the potatoes and cook for 30 minutes longer, turning them at 10 minute intervals and patting them back down.
5. 5
   When you turn them the first time, stir in the onion, bell peppers, and chili powder.
6. 6
   As the potatoes soften, pat them down more lightly, bringing as much of their surface in contact with the skillet as possible without mashing them.
7. 7
   Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes longer, turning them at 5-minute intervals.
8. 8
   During the last 10 minutes, bring the heat up to medium and, if you wish, add more salt and pepper.
9. 9
   The home fries are ready when the potato cubes are richly browned and clearly crisp with tender, melting centers.