Irish Potato Cakes

Irish cuisine boasts a rich tapestry of hearty and comforting dishes; among them, Irish potato cakes hold a special place. Also known as boxty or potato farls, these savoury delights are a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of Irish cooks throughout history.

What Are Irish Potato Cakes?

Irish potato cakes are simple yet satisfying creations made primarily from mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt. Some recipes may also include additions like milk or butter for added richness.

The ingredients are combined to form a dough, which is then rolled out and cut into rounds or squares. These are then cooked on a griddle or skillet until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

History Behind Irish Potato Cakes

Potatoes have been a staple of the Irish diet for centuries, dating back to their introduction to Ireland in the late 16th century. During times of hardship, such as the Great Famine in the 19th century, potatoes played a crucial role in sustaining the population. Irish potato cakes emerged as a way to make the most of this humble yet versatile ingredient, offering a filling and nourishing meal that could be made with minimal resources.

How to Enjoy Irish Potato Cakes: Irish potato cakes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a hearty addition to breakfast or brunch, served alongside eggs, bacon, and sausages for a traditional Irish fry-up. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed as a comforting side dish with soups, stews, or roasted meats. For a simple yet satisfying snack, try them topped with butter or your favourite spread.

How to Make Potato Cakes

This Irish Potato Cakes Recipe is a great way of using up left mashed potato for a nice little treat that can make a fantastic breakfast, brunch or as an evening snack with a cup of Irish tea. If you want to learn how to make potato cakes, follow my recipe and get a taste of traditional Irish food.

For a complete list of all my Irish recipes, click the link to visit my article on Irish Recipes

Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

This Irish Potato cake recipe is a great savoury potato dish that works well with so many different flavours.  I love having them topped with bacon and a poached egg, but you can also have them by themselves with a bit of salt, how my wife loves them.

These Irish potato cakes or sometimes known as Irish Potato Farls, are made in various ways across the country and can often be seen served with a Full Irish Fry in many counties across Ireland.  No Ulster Fry would be complete without a couple of slices of potato farl and for me it’s what makes the fry stand out from so many others.

This Irish Potato cake recipe is so versatile.  Traditionally, they are made plain with potato, flour and seasoning, but you can add a number of ingredients to make them that extra bit special.  Why not try adding some finely sliced spring onion or chives, adding and topping them with smoked salmon and creme fraiche, or adding in some cooked diced bacon or black pudding as a little treat?

How to Make Potato Cake, The Secret.

When cooking mashed potatoes for dinner, I usually make a little bit extra, which can then be used to make potato cakes/potato farls.  You can use boiled potatoes for this recipe or bake potatoes and mash them up too.  The main thing is that when you make this recipe, try not to overdo it with the flour, or it will become too stodgy and have a rubber-like texture.  These Irish Potato cakes should still be light and fluffy and seasoned perfectly.

Try this easy Irish Potato Cake recipe and learn how to make Irish potato cakes.

For more recipes, read my blog post’s list of Irish Recipes.

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Irish Potato Cakes

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

These Irish Potato Cakes are a great way of using up left over potato. Served on their own with a light sprinkle of salt or served with bacon and a poached egg this recipe is always a nice little treat.

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: how to make irish potato cakes, how to make potato cakes, Irish potato cakes, irish potato cakes recipes, traditional irish potato cakes recipe, traditional potato cakes, traditional potato cakes recipe

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 75 kcal

Author: J.J. Sheridan

Ingredients

• 450 grams Cooked potatoes which have been cooled
• 75 grams Plain White Flour
• Salt & Pepper To Season

Instructions

1. Place cooled cooked potatoes into a bowl and add in the flour and seasoning and mix. 
   

2. Tip out onto a floured service and knead together to form a dough
   

3. Flatten the dough to about 3cm then cut into 8 circles using a pastry cutter or using a knife cut into triangles.
   

4. Heat a heavy based pan on a medium heat and add some oil or clarified butter and cook potato cakes for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Traditionally flour was sprinkled into the pan and the potato cakes were dry fried but I find adding some clarified butter ads a little extra flavour and gives a more golden colour.
   

5. Serve hot with some salt or with a morning fry.  These work really well topped with bacon and a poached egg with some hollandaise sauce or add in some cooked bacon or black pudding to the potato mix before cooking.  The choice is endless. Enjoy.
   

Recipe Notes

Allergins: Gluten

 

Why not try add some finely sliced spring onion or chives to the potato mix to make a champ style potato cake. Fantasic alternative served with some smoked salmon and creme fraiche.