Classic Irish Potato Farl
Experience the rustic charm of traditional Irish cooking with this Classic Irish Potato Farl recipe. These delightful potato pancakes are made from simple ingredients — fluffy mashed potatoes combined with a touch of flour and butter — delivering a warm and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a hearty breakfast or as a side to any meal. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, potato farls are a true staple of Irish cuisine. Serve them hot, perhaps with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dollop of sour cream for an elevated taste.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
1 1/4 lbs (Peeled and boiled until fork tender)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
1 cup (All-purpose flour)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Vegetable Oil
5 tablespoons (For frying)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the potatoes and placing them in a large pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2
Once tender, drain the potatoes well and return them to the saucepan over low heat to evaporate any remaining moisture. Add the melted butter and mash the potatoes until smooth and without lumps.
3
Incorporate the flour and salt into the mashed potatoes, mixing until the dough comes together.
4
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough in half.
5
Roll out each half into a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut each circle into quarters, creating wedges.
6
In a large nonstick skillet, heat half of the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the dough quarters in batches, frying for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown, adding more oil as necessary.
7
Remove the cooked potato farls from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
8
Serve warm, enjoying them fresh off the skillet.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Irish Potato Farl?
A potato farl is a traditional Irish potato pancake made from fluffy mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, characterized by its crisp exterior and tender interior.
What are the main ingredients for potato farls?
The main ingredients are 1 1/4 lbs of potatoes, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and vegetable oil for frying.
How do I prepare the potatoes for this recipe?
Peel the potatoes and boil them in a large pot of cold water until fork tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Why should I return the drained potatoes to the heat?
Returning the potatoes to low heat after draining helps evaporate any remaining moisture, which is essential for achieving the right dough consistency.
How smooth should the mashed potatoes be?
You should mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth and free of any lumps before adding the butter and flour.
When do I add the flour and salt?
Incorporate the flour and salt into the mashed potatoes after mixing in the melted butter, stirring until a dough forms.
How do I handle the dough?
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it is smooth, then divide it into two equal halves.
What size should I roll the dough into?
Roll each half of the dough into a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter.
How thick should the potato farls be?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
How do I cut the farls into the traditional shape?
Use a sharp knife to cut each 8-inch dough circle into quarters, creating triangular wedges.
What type of oil is best for frying potato farls?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point, allowing the farls to brown perfectly without burning.
How long do I cook the farls in the skillet?
Fry the dough quarters for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
Use medium-high heat to ensure the outside crisps up while the inside remains tender.
Should I cook all the farls at once?
It is best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet and to ensure even browning.
How do I remove excess oil from the farls?
After cooking, place the potato farls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
What is the best way to serve potato farls?
Serve them hot, ideally with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dollop of sour cream.
Can potato farls be part of a breakfast?
Yes, they are a classic staple of a traditional Irish breakfast and pair perfectly with eggs and bacon.
Are potato farls considered a bread or a side dish?
While they are in the bread category, they are versatile enough to serve as a side dish for many different meals.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Pipers are ideal as they create the fluffiest mashed potato base.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the additional salt added to the dough.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 farls, which is typically enough for 6 servings.
What should the texture of a perfect farl be?
A perfect farl should be crisp on the outside and soft, fluffy, and tender on the inside.
Why did my dough become too sticky?
If the potatoes were too wet or not drained well, the dough can become sticky. You may need a bit more flour to compensate.
Can I add herbs to the farl dough?
Yes, adding chopped chives or green onions to the dough is a popular variation for extra flavor.
Are potato farls the same as boxty?
No, boxty usually contains grated raw potato, whereas farls are made strictly from cooked mashed potatoes.
How do I store leftover potato farls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat farls?
Reheat them in a dry skillet or a toaster to maintain their signature crisp exterior.
Can I freeze potato farls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually or separate them with parchment paper in a freezer bag.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses butter and vegetable oil.
What does 'farl' mean?
The word 'farl' comes from the Gaelic word for 'fourth,' referring to the way the round cake is cut into four pieces.