Welcome to a taste of Ireland with a recipe for Boxty, the traditional Irish potato pancake! There's a charming old rhyme that says, "Boxty on the griddle, boxty in the pan, if you can't make boxty, you'll never get a man." This beloved dish holds a special place in Irish culinary heritage, known for its unique texture derived from a clever mix of grated raw and creamy mashed potatoes. It's the ultimate comfort food—hearty, versatile, and wonderfully simple. Perfect for a savory breakfast, a satisfying brunch, or as a delicious side dish, Boxty is a celebration of the humble potato in its most delightful form.
Boxty, or Irish potato pancakes.
Ingredients for Irish Potato Pancakes
- 200 g cooked potatoes
- 200 g raw potatoes
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons milk whey or buttermilk
- salt to taste
- vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Irish Potato Pancakes
To prevent the cooked potatoes from being watery, boil them in their skins.
Grate the peeled raw potatoes on a cheese grater.
Place the chopped potatoes in a sieve.
You will need both raw and cooked potatoes for the dough. To ensure the cooked potatoes aren’t watery, boil them in their skins: wash them with a brush, place them in a pot, and cover with boiling water. Cook over low heat, checking for doneness with a fork or toothpick. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tubers. To easily peel the potatoes, place them in ice-cold water for a minute as soon as they are cooked. After this temperature shock, the skin will peel off effortlessly.
Peel the raw potatoes and grate them on a cheese grater. If you have the patience, you can use a fine vegetable grater, but my personal experience strongly advises against this ‘instrument of torture.’ Firstly, it takes a long time; secondly, you can scrape your hands; and thirdly, there’s no noticeable difference in the result.
If the potatoes are very watery, you should transfer them to a cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess liquid. Alternatively, you can simply omit the buttermilk, and the dough will be thick enough from the moisture in the potatoes.
Dice the potatoes that were boiled in their skins and peeled into small cubes. Place the diced potatoes in a sieve.
Mash the potatoes with a tablespoon.
Pour in the buttermilk or milk whey.
Mix the dough thoroughly.
Press the potatoes through the sieve with a tablespoon. You can also use a potato ricer to make a puree.
Pour in the buttermilk or milk whey. Add the all-purpose flour.
Salt to taste. Mix the dough thoroughly. It should be thick, like for pies, meaning if you take it in your hand, it can be easily formed into a ball without spreading. If the dough is too runny, add a little more mashed cooked potato.
Use a measuring spoon to divide the dough into equal pieces.
Sprinkle a cutting board with all-purpose flour. Use a measuring spoon to divide the dough into equal pieces. Place the dough onto the floured board.
Press down on the balls with a spatula to form patties slightly over a centimeter thick.
Place the pancakes in the hot oil.
Fry on both sides until golden brown.
Form the dough into balls. Coat them in flour, rolling them several times so the flour covers the entire surface. Then, press down on the balls with a spatula to form patties just over a centimeter thick.
Pour a few tablespoons of refined vegetable oil (suitable for deep-frying) into a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the oil. Place the pancakes in the hot oil.
Fry on both sides until golden brown.
Remove the pancakes from the pan and place them on a paper towel first.
Remove the pancakes from the pan, first placing them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
And there you have it—warm, golden Boxty, ready to be enjoyed! These delightful potato pancakes are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot, straight from the pan, with a simple knob of butter melting on top. They are also wonderful with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh chives, or paired with bacon and eggs for a classic Irish breakfast. For a more elegant touch, try them with smoked salmon. We hope this recipe brings a piece of Irish warmth and tradition to your kitchen. Enjoy every comforting bite!
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