Delicious Boxty Recipe – Traditional Irish comfort food!
When it comes to comfort foods, few dishes can match the satisfaction of a warm and hearty potato pancake. And when it comes to Irish comfort foods, there’s no question that Boxty (Irish Potato Griddle Cakes) leads the charge.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this traditional Irish dish and perfecting an authentic recipe. What sets Boxty apart is its unique combination of mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes, resulting in a texture that’s both crispy and fluffy. As you cook these griddle cakes over medium heat, they become golden-brown and irresistibly tempting.
Boxty is more than just a dish – it’s an Irish tradition that has stood the test of time. For generations, families in Ireland have bonded over plates of these delicious potato griddle cakes. So if you’re ready to bring the authentic taste of traditional Irish food into your home, read on for my expert Boxty recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you’re sitting in a cozy pub in Ireland, sipping on a pint of Guinness and enjoying the warmth of the fire. Suddenly, your nose catches whiffs of something delicious being cooked in the kitchen. That’s when Boxty comes into view – good ol’ traditional Irish potato griddle cakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Boxty is not just any dish; it represents Ireland’s rich culinary heritage and brings people together over a plate. And here’s why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are usually found lying around in your kitchen – mashed potatoes, grated raw potatoes, flour, egg, and milk. There is no need for any fancy or expensive ingredients to cook up a storm in the kitchen.
Secondly, Boxty is incredibly versatile; you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste buds. Substitute mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes or add herbs and spices like garlic or thyme. The possibilities are endless!
Finally, Boxty is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pair it with bacon and eggs for a hearty breakfast or serve it alongside stew for a cozy dinner.
In conclusion, whether you’re an Irishman craving for some traditional Irish food or simply looking to shake things up in the kitchen, Boxty is the perfect dish to add to your cooking repertoire. So grab your apron and get ready to make some delicious Potato Griddle Cakes!
Ingredient List
- 2 lb russet potatoes
- 3 medium raw potatoes, grated
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
Aside from the traditional irish potato, this recipe calls for grated raw potato. This is because the raw potato gives more texture and bite to the griddle cakes which complements well with the mashed potato. Don’t forget to add salt depending on your liking, it brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients. For a vegan option, you can use flaxseed egg instead of egg.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gathering Ingredients
Before starting the recipe make sure you have all the ingredients needed. The ingredients for this recipe are quite simple and basic. You will need two medium raw potatoes and one and a half cups of flour. We recommend using plain flour. In addition to this, you will need one egg, one tablespoon of baking powder, one and a half cups of milk, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grating Potatoes
After having all the ingredients ready, the next step is to grate two medium raw potatoes. Use the side of the grater that produces long thin strips to get perfect consistency grated potatoes. Then add 1 teaspoon of salt to the grated potatoes and mix them together.
Step 3: Mixing Flour, Egg, Milk, Salt, Baking Powder, And Pepper
In a large mixing bowl, add one and a half cups of plain flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt as per taste, and pepper as per your preference. Mix all these dry ingredients well. In a separate bowl beat one egg with a fork, add it to the dry ingredients mixture in another bowl along with one and a half cups of milk.
Step 4: Combining Grated Potatoes And Flour Mixture To Make Boxty Pancake
Combine grated potatoes and flour mixture gently until everything is mixed together thoroughly with enough milk to make batter for Boxty (Irish potato griddle cakes). The pancake made by pouring this batter into pan called Boxty pancakes. Be sure not over mix it as it may affect its consistency.
Step 5: Cooking Boxty Pancakes
Heat up a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot enough add some butter or oil onto the pan followed by ladling in some batter. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the batter each time. Lightly spread the batter in the hot pan until it reaches around 5-6 inch diameter. Cook each pancake until golden brown on both sides. It takes around 3-4 minutes to cook each side depending on heat, and thickness of pancake made.
Step 6: Serve Hot And Enjoy!
Once the Boxty pancakes are ready, you can serve them hot with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, honey or jam. They also pair well with eggs and bacon for a breakfast meal. Enjoy the deliciousness of traditional Irish food right at your home!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are plenty of ways you can vary the ingredients or adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some suggestions for making your Boxty griddle cakes your own:
– Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, swap out the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
– Sweet Potato: To give your Boxty a twist, grate in some sweet potato along with your regular potato. This will add a touch of sweetness to your savory cakes.
– Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding herbs and spices to the mixture, like parsley or thyme. This can add depth and flavor to the dish.
– Cheese: Add some grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan work well) into the mixture for an extra flavor boost.
– Bacon: Fry up some crispy bacon chunks and serve on top of your Boxty for added texture and flavor.
– Serve with Eggs: Serve your Boxty alongside some scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Regardless of what variations you choose, just remember not to overcrowd your pan when cooking your cakes as they need room to breathe and cook evenly.
Serving and Pairing
Boxty Irish Potato Griddle Cakes make for an incredibly versatile side dish that can be paired with many different flavors and textures. I recommend trying them with a hearty breakfast, served alongside some bacon, egg and sausage. For those looking for a lighter combination, serve with smoked salmon or crispy bacon and a fresh salad for a delicious lunch.
These potato griddle cakes pair perfectly with soups and stews during cold, winter months. They are also great as a snack or appetizer, topped with sour cream, chives or even hummus. Alternatively, try pairing with other traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew.
For a sweet twist to this savory dish, try serving boxty Irish potato griddle cakes topped with syrup and whipped cream or banana slices. If you’re feeling indulgent, this is the perfect breakfast to give you that energy kick early in the morning or treat yourself on a weekend brunch.
Boxty Irish Potato Griddle Cakes are such an amazing addition to any meal, you can be sure they will bring just the right amount of heartiness to your plate while offering lots of potential flavor combinations.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead meals, Irish Boxty is my go-to recipe. It’s simple and hearty, which makes it the perfect breakfast or brunch option for meal planning. You can easily make a large batch ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
To store your Boxty, I recommend letting it cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
To reheat your Boxty, I prefer using a skillet because it keeps the edges crispy and gives the texture back that may have been lost during storage. Simply heat up a couple of tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the previously cooked Boxty. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
If you’re not keen on reheating your Boxty, you can always enjoy it cold as well. In fact, I often enjoy cold leftover Boxty with some jam or honey as a snack.
Overall, Irish Boxty is easy to make-ahead and simple to store/reheat, making it the perfect choice for breakfast or brunch meal preparation.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to make the perfect Boxty, there are a few tips and tricks I want to share with you to ensure your recipe comes out perfectly every time.
First, make sure to grate the raw potato finely, as any large chunks of potato will result in the cakes falling apart. A fine grate will also make for a smoother texture in the final product.
Secondly, when cooking the Boxty on the griddle or frying pan, be sure to use enough oil or butter to prevent them from sticking. You may need to add more oil between batches if the pan begins to dry out.
To get a perfectly crispy exterior on your Boxty, cook them over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. Avoid turning them too many times while cooking, as this can affect their overall texture.
Another helpful tip is to keep cooked Boxty warm in a low oven until ready to serve. This ensures that they stay heated throughout and prevents them from becoming cold and stiff.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations of this recipe by adding in ingredients such as cheese or herbs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to Boxty!
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious traditional Irish dish of Potato Griddle Cakes.
FAQ
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I understand that cooking can often raise questions and concerns. That’s why in this section, I’ll be answering some common questions related to the Boxty (Irish Potato Griddle Cakes) Recipe, so that you can feel more confident and assured while making this traditional Irish dish. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some FAQs!
What is the difference between boxty and potato cakes?
One delicious bread option that incorporates mashed potatoes into the dough is known as potato bread or potato farls. These breads are cooked on a griddle and are made with a mixture of potato, flour, and buttermilk. Unlike boxty, a similar dish in which the raw potatoes are grated into the dough, potato farls involve boiling and mashing the potatoes before adding them to the mixture.
What is an Irish boxty cake?
Boxty is a classic Irish dish that involves a mixture of cooked, mashed potatoes and raw shredded potatoes. Flour and buttermilk are added to bind the ingredients, and the mixture is then fried in a skillet. Despite being a traditional recipe, there are countless variations of Boxty out there.
How do you keep potato cakes from falling apart?
Are your potato cakes crumbling apart during the cooking process, leaving you frustrated? This could be due to the mixture being overly moist and lacking flour. To fix this issue, add flour to the mixture 1 tablespoon at a time until the mixture has a better consistency. The mixture should be somewhat damp and sticky, without being excessively wet or crumbly. By doing so, you can ensure that each potato cake stays together and cooks evenly without falling apart.
What is the difference between boxty and latkes?
When it comes to potato-based foods, the Irish potato cake, also known as boxty, and the latke have some distinct differences. Latkes typically consist of grated raw potato, eggs, milk, flour or matzo meal, and baking powder, while Irish potato cakes are made with either raw grated potato or mashed cooked potato, milk, flour, and a touch of salt.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, boxty is a traditional Irish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that can be made with only a few ingredients, making it an affordable meal for any household. The versatility of boxty also makes it perfect for breakfast or brunch, as well as a side dish for lunch or dinner. With its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, it is no wonder why boxty has remained a classic favorite for generations.
Whether you are looking to try something new or wanting to indulge in some traditional Irish food, this boxty recipe won’t disappoint. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients found at any local grocery store, there is no excuse not to give this recipe a try. So grab your griddle and let’s get cooking!
Boxty (irish Potato Griddle Cakes) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb raw potatoes
- 1/2 lb mashed potatoes
- 1/2 lb plain flour
- 1 tablespoon milk, more as needed
- 1 egg
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Grate raw potatoes and mix with the cooked mashed potatoes.
- Add salt, pepper and flour.
- Beat egg and add to mixture with just enough milk to make a batter that will drop from a spoon.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a hot griddle or frying pan.
- Cook over a moderate heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.