Discover the simple joy of Irish baking with this authentic Potato Farls recipe. These golden-brown griddle cakes are a traditional Irish breakfast staple, often enjoyed with butter, jam, or a hearty bowl of stew. Made with just a few simple ingredients, Potato Farls are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
WHAT IS A POTATO FARL (OR FADGE)?
A potato farl, also known as potato fadge, potato cakes, griddle cakes, and boxty, is a versatile dish with many names! This recipe originated as a clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from the previous night’s dinner. Made with simple pantry staples, potato farls may seem modest, but they are incredibly delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups (650g/1lb 7oz) of 3 medium potatoes (Russet, Maris Piper, or Roosters)
- ¾ cup (4oz/115g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (1oz/28g) butter (plus extra for cooking)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Begin by peeling and chopping your potatoes, then weigh them for accuracy.
- Steam or boil the cubed potatoes in a medium pot until tender, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes and place them in a sieve over a bowl to allow them to dry for about 5 minutes.
- While the potatoes are still hot, pass them through the sieve to achieve a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have a sieve, you can use a ricer or a masher to mash the potatoes.
- Add the flour, salt, pepper, and melted butter to the potatoes, stirring until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into an 8-inch round disc. Use a large knife to cut the disc into 6 equal pieces.
- In a large frying pan or skillet, melt a generous knob of butter over medium heat until it bubbles. Carefully add the potato farls and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side. They should be crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
- Serve the potato farls immediately while hot, either as part of a traditional Irish breakfast or on their own.
