Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting potato bread from Ireland, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. Made with simple ingredients like mashed potatoes and flour, these golden, crispy farls offer a delightful texture and mild flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes (cooled)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead until smooth but not overworked.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the circle into quarters (farls).
5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, no oil needed.
6. Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover mashed potatoes to reduce prep time and add flavor depth.
• For extra richness, brush the farls with melted butter right after cooking.
• Try adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for a fresh twist.
• If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands and surface with a little more flour but avoid adding too much to keep them tender.

Storage

Store cooked potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through to maintain their crispiness. You can also freeze uncooked dough wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw before cooking as usual.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this recipe?

It’s best to use real mashed potatoes made from boiled potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Instant mashed potatoes may result in a less tender dough.

Do I need to add oil or butter to the skillet when cooking the farls?

No oil or butter is necessary for cooking as the dough contains enough fat, and the skillet should be non-stick. Adding oil may make them greasy and affect the crisp texture.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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Irish Potato Farls are a traditional and comforting staple of Irish cuisine made from mashed potatoes mixed with flour, salt, and butter, then cooked on a griddle until golden and crisp. These simple, fluffy potato cakes are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, enjoyed warm with butter or eggs.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 farls (serves 2-4) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potato Dough

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes, cooled
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
2. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough until smooth and uniform, being careful not to overwork it to avoid tough farls.
3. Roll out: Roll the dough into a flat circle approximately 1/4 inch thick, using light pressure to maintain an even thickness for even cooking.
4. Cut into farls: Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the dough circle into four equal triangular pieces called farls.
5. Heat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil or butter is needed as the dough contains butter already.
6. Cook the farls: Place each farl in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft interior.
7. Serve warm: Serve the Irish Potato Farls warm, topped with butter or alongside eggs and other traditional breakfast foods for a hearty meal.

Notes

• Ensure the mashed potatoes are cooled before mixing to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep the farls tender.
• The skillet should be preheated properly to avoid sticking and to develop a nice golden crust.
• These farls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or toaster.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Cakes, Traditional Irish Breakfast, Potato Bread, Stovetop Potato Cakes