Irish Potato Cakes
Delight in the crispy, golden charm of traditional Irish Potato Cakes, or farls, made from creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes Leftover or freshly made
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter For frying
- chopped chives or green onions Optional for added flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by peeling and boiling 2-3 large potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth, allowing to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add chopped chives or green onions if desired. Mix until well incorporated to form a thick, pliable dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into two halves and shape each into a round circle about ½ inch thick. Cut these circles into quarters to create classic farl shapes.
Cooking
- Heat a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and hot, carefully add the potato farls to the skillet.
- Cook the farls for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Transfer the cakes onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with butter or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Top tips include using starchy potatoes for fluffiness, preparing mashed potatoes a day in advance, experimenting with flavors, and avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for about 2 months.