Description
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake combining grated raw and mashed potatoes, creating a crispy exterior with a tender, soft interior. This hearty dish is perfect for breakfast or a comforting side, rich in Irish heritage and simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (use starchy/mealy variety such as russets)
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes (use starchy/mealy variety such as russets)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk, plus more as needed
- Butter, bacon grease, or lard for frying (for vegan option, use oil)
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped green onions/scallions
- Shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Boil, drain, and mash the potatoes thoroughly. Allow them to chill until cold or refrigerate overnight for best texture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Grate and drain raw potatoes: Grate the raw potatoes and place them into a clean cotton kitchen towel. Wring out as much excess moisture as possible to prevent a watery batter.
- Combine the batter: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cold mashed potatoes, grated raw potatoes, and the flour mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk and stir to combine into a thick batter. If it feels too dry or thick, add additional buttermilk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Heat the pan: Heat butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to coat the surface well.
- Form and fry boxty: Scoop portions of the potato mixture into the pan, shaping them into individual patties and pressing down to flatten slightly. Fry them until the bottom side is golden brown, then carefully flip to brown the other side. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
- Keep warm and serve: Transfer cooked boxty to a warm oven to keep hot while frying the remaining pancakes. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Boxty is a traditional Irish dish dating back to the 1700s, combining grated and mashed potatoes for unique texture and flavor.
- Wringing out grated potatoes is key to preventing soggy pancakes and achieving a crispy exterior.
- You can add chopped green onions or shredded white cheddar cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
- Adjust the heat carefully during frying to ensure pancakes cook through without burning on the outside.
- Keep cooked boxty warm in the oven until all are ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 boxty pancakes
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 624 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
