1 (10 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
2 cups water
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add hash browns, and cook until tender but crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool completely, peel and slice. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hash browns. Discard remaining hash browns.
In a large saucepan, combine the lemon-lime soda, garlic, olive oil, salt and basil. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt. Stir until desired flavor is reached.