Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a simple and satisfying treat from traditional Irish cuisine. Made from mashed potatoes and flour, these golden, pan-fried cakes are perfect for breakfast or as a comforting side dish. They’re easy to prepare and bring a delightful, rustic touch to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (500g) potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
• Additional butter or oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Mash the potatoes until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the melted butter, salt, baking powder, black pepper, and chives if using.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the mashed potatoes, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Step 4: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or into traditional triangular farls by dividing a large circle into quarters.
5. Step 5: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Cook the farls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with butter, or as part of a traditional Irish breakfast.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding finely chopped scallions or a pinch of smoked paprika to the dough.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
• Make sure your potatoes are well-drained and slightly cooled before mixing to prevent a sticky dough.
• Try frying the farls in bacon fat for a richer, authentic taste.

Storage

Store leftover farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and heated through. They also freeze well; separate layers with parchment paper and reheat directly from frozen.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes to make farls?

Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can work well as long as they are not too wet. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to achieve the right dough consistency.

What can I serve with Irish Potato Farls?

They pair beautifully with traditional Irish breakfast items like sausages, eggs, and black pudding, or simply enjoy them with butter and a sprinkle of salt for a simple snack.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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4.6 from 73 reviews

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish bread made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, cooked on a skillet until golden brown. Perfectly soft on the inside with a crispy exterior, these savory farls are ideal for breakfast or as a side dish, offering a deliciously comforting taste of Ireland.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 farls 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (500g) potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

For Cooking

• Additional butter or oil for frying

Instructions

1. Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
2. Mash Potatoes and Mix Ingredients: Mash the potatoes until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in the melted butter, salt, baking powder, black pepper, and chives if using.
3. Form Dough: Gradually add the flour to the mashed potatoes, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky; you may not need all the flour.
4. Shape Farls: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter or into traditional triangular farls by dividing a large circle into quarters.
5. Cook Farls: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Cook the farls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve: Serve warm with butter, or as part of a traditional Irish breakfast.

Notes

• For best texture, ensure potatoes are drained very well before mashing to avoid soggy dough.
• Chives are optional but add a subtle fresh flavor that complements the potatoes well.
• Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking during cooking.
• Serve farls warm for optimal taste and texture.
• Farls can be reheated gently in a skillet or toaster oven.

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Irish bread, Potato bread, skillet farls, traditional Irish recipe, Irish breakfast bread