Old Fashioned Fried Potatoes

Tonight's dinner was Baked Ham and Old Fashioned Fried Potatoes.  I had never cooked fried potatoes before tonight, but growing up in Arkansas, I've of course eaten them many times.  Mine did not come out perfectly, but boy, they were good! I think the key is not to mess with them too much and a heavy pan (I don't have a cast iron skillet, but that's what I imagine would be best). 

Old Fashioned Fried Potatoes

4-5 large potatoes
canola or vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan
1/2 large vidalia onion, choppped
salt and pepper

Peel the potatoes (if you like to do that, go for it, if not, skip it) and slice into 1/2 inch slices.   Cut the big slices in half.  Heat heavy skillet to medium high and add oil.  Add the potatoes and toss them around in the oil.  Add salt and pepper and then the onion on top, but don't stir.  Put the lid on halfway, and then leave it alone for a few minutes until the potatoes are brown on the bottom.  Take the lid off, stir, and then continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the potatoes are as brown as you like.