Traditional Irish Boxty

Dive into the heart of Irish cuisine with this Traditional Irish Boxty recipe, a dish that holds a storied place in Ireland’s culinary tradition. Often referred to as Irish potato pancakes, boxty combines the simplicity of potatoes with the heartiness of a pancake, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply exploring international cuisines, this recipe offers a taste of Ireland’s rich gastronomic heritage.

A Perfect Blend of Comfort and Tradition

Boxty pancakes are celebrated for their delightful texture and rustic flavor. This recipe uses both mashed and grated potatoes, creating a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside. Serve them up as a side dish, or make them the star of the meal accompanied by a hearty stew.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 3 Russet potatoes, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish

Preparation:

  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
    • Peel and cube two of the potatoes.
    • Place the cubed potatoes in a pot with just enough water to cover them. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
    • Boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash the potatoes.
    • Place the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator to cool for 1-2 hours.
  2. Grate the Remaining Potato:
    • Peel and grate the remaining potato.
    • Wrap the grated potato in paper towels and wring out to remove excess moisture.
  3. Make the Boxty Batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, flour, the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, baking soda, and 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk. Stir to combine.
    • If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more buttermilk to achieve a pancake-batter consistency.
  4. Cook the Boxties:
    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
    • Drop large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down to flatten each one into a pancake.
    • Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the boxties are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve:
    • Remove the boxties from the pan and drain on paper towels.
    • Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a scattering of chopped green onions.

Enjoy your Traditional Irish Boxties! These potato pancakes offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to please. Whether served as part of a brunch spread or as a side to a main course, they bring the warmth and charm of Irish hospitality to your table. Enjoy the crisp exterior and soft interior that make boxty a beloved dish across Ireland and beyond.

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