Satisfy Your Cravings with Delicious Irish Fadge Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I have a traditional Irish recipe that is loved by many – Irish Fadge, also known as potato cakes. This simple yet delicious recipe has been enjoyed for generations and is a favorite in Northern Ireland. The key ingredient in this recipe is the potato.
Why potato, you may ask? Potatoes are incredibly versatile and easy to work with, making them a staple in Irish cuisine. They can be boiled, mashed, roasted, fried, and so much more. For this recipe, we will be using leftover mashed potatoes to create these flavorful and filling potato cakes.
Don’t let the name “cake” fool you – these are not your typical dessert cakes. Instead, they are hearty and savory snacks that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They are perfect for those who love potatoes, bread or anything crispy and fried.
In this article, I’ll walk you through every step of the process for making these delicious Irish Fadge (Potato Cakes). With easy-to-follow instructions, substitution options and serving suggestions, you’ll be able to make these fadge irish potato cake recipe easily right in your own home. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use leftover mashed potatoes, this Irish Fadge recipe is just what you need. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I assure you that this recipe will become one of your go-to dishes for its simplicity and scrumptiousness.
These Fadge Potato Cakes are an Irish classic, also known as potato bread, potato farls or tattie scones. They are served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can even be eaten as a snack. They have been enjoyed for generations and are a staple of Northern Irish cuisine.
What sets these cakes apart is their versatility. They can be served in various ways and pair well with a range of foods. Moreover, they are gluten-free and can be adapted to suit any taste preference.
This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover mashed potatoes instead of discarding them without compromising the taste. Furthermore, the ingredients required are straightforward and readily available. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have these cakes ready to go in no time.
In summary, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make, quick recipe that’s versatile and delicious, this Irish Fadge recipe is undoubtedly for you.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound (500 grams) potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, melted plus a little extra to serve
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium egg
- 4 ounces (115 grams) all-purpose flour
This Irish Fadge or potato bread recipe requires only a few ingredients to make delicious cakes. Using leftover mashed potatoes also ensures that you don’t waste any food. One of its key components is the humble potato, which is a staple ingredient in many dishes in Ireland. You will also need unsalted butter, which adds richness and a creamy taste to the cakes. Additionally, make sure you use all-purpose flour, as this is essential for creating just the right texture. The eggs are used as a binder and to create a fluffy texture, while salt enhances the flavor of the cakes.
The Recipe How-To
Mash the Potatoes
First things first, mash your cooked potatoes. I prefer to use leftover mashed potatoes, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can cook and mash them fresh. Make sure to remove any lumps in the mash by either using a potato ricer or a fork. Sprinkle salt and drizzle butter over the mash and mix everything together.
Add Flour
Next, stir in potato flour into your mashed potatoes. Use enough flour to create a pliable dough that is less sticky. The amount of flour needed may vary depending on how moist your potatoes are.
Knead the Dough
On a floured surface, knead the dough until it holds together well, adding flour as necessary to maintain its texture. Knead enough flour so that it is easy to handle and doesn’t stick to your fingers or work surface.
Cut the Dough
Use a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut them with a cookie cutter or round glass or cup dipped in flour. This will make about six potato cakes that are 3-4 inches in diameter.
Cooking Time!
In a non-stick frying pan or griddle pan, melt unsalted butter and cook each potato cake for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy on each side.
Serve up your delicious Irish Fadge Potato Cakes hot and enjoy their crispy texture on the outside with the soft mashed potato goodness on the inside.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch it up or adjust the recipe to your liking? There are plenty of options when it comes to making Irish fadge (potato cakes).
First off, if you don’t have any leftover mashed potatoes, don’t fret. You can simply cook and mash potatoes to make 1 pound (500 grams) of mashed potatoes for this recipe. Make sure there aren’t any lumps and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt before drizzling in 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of melted unsalted butter.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with potato flour. This will also give your fadge a delightful potato flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something other than traditional Irish fadge, consider making potato apple fadge! Simply shred one medium-sized apple and mix it into the mashed potato mixture before adding the egg and flour. This will add a delicious fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory potato flavor.
Fadge is not to be confused with potato farls, a Northern Irish bread made with cooked mashed potatoes and flour. However, if you’re looking for a similar texture to fadge but want to skip the frying process, then try making Tattie Scones. These Scottish delights are made with cooked mashed potatoes and flour, but instead of frying them like fadge, they are baked or griddled into small rounds.
It’s always fun to experiment with recipes and make them your own. So feel free to get creative and try out new substitutions and variations on this traditional Irish dish!
Serving and Pairing
As a proud chef of British cuisine, I know that Irish Fadge (Potato Cakes) can be served in numerous ways – you can either eat them as they are, pan-fry them or use them as a sandwich filling. Pair the fadge with meaty dishes like crispy bacon or pork sausages, baked beans, and black pudding for a heartier meal. You can also add on some fried eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms to give it a brunch-like feel.
For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers work well with fadge potato cakes. Whether you want a light snack or a hearty meal, fadge irish potato is the way to go! You’ll surely love its crisp texture outside yet soft and fluffy inside. Additionally, you could also turn leftover mashed potato cakes into dessert recipes such as potato apple fadge- another traditional Irish dish.
Furthermore, if you’re feeling adventurous, try your fadge with different spreads like butter or jam to add that extra flavor kick to your dish. The bread-like quality of the potato cakes gives it versatility when pairing with different toppings. I would recommend enjoying them right after cooking while they’re still warm and crisp!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best parts about Irish Fadge is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat! Simply cook up a batch of these delicious potato cakes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a pan over medium heat with a little bit of butter until they’re golden brown on both sides.
If you’re making a large batch of Irish Fadge, let them cool completely before freezing them. To reheat frozen fadge, simply place them in the fridge overnight to thaw, then follow the same reheating instructions as above.
The key to keeping your fadge fresh and moist is to store it properly. Make sure to wrap them tightly if storing in the fridge to prevent them from drying out. For longer-term storage, freezing is your best bet.
Overall, Irish Fadge is an incredible make-ahead option that can save you time during those busy weekdays when you don’t have much time for cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have some tips to make Irish Fadge potato cakes recipe turn out perfect every time.
1. Use leftover mashed potatoes: Leftovers are not always fun, but using leftover mashed potatoes will make your fadge potato cakes come out firmer and less gummy. This is because they already have less moisture in them than freshly made mashed potatoes.
2. Make sure to remove lumps: When mashing potatoes, make sure to mash them as smooth as possible. Then sprinkle some salt to help break down any remaining lumps.
3. Drizzle with melted butter: Drizzle a little melted butter over your mixture before cooking the cakes. This will help create a crispy crust on the outside.
4. Use potato flour: Try using potato flour instead of regular all-purpose flour for an extra potato flavor and increased fluffiness.
5. Knead with enough flour: If your mixture is too wet, add just enough flour to make it kneadable without making it too tough.
6. Don’t skip chilling the dough: After shaping the potato cakes, chill them for at least half an hour before cooking. This step will help the cakes hold their shape better while frying.
7. Cook over medium heat: Cook your fadge potato cakes over medium heat in a non-stick pan or on a griddle. This will prevent them from burning and help them cook evenly.
8. Use leftover fadge irish potato in different ways: You can use leftover fadge irish potatoes for other dishes such as fried breakfasts, bubble and squeak or just as an accompaniment to meat pies or grilled meats.
By following these tips you can master the art of making perfect Irish Fadge potato cakes every time!
FAQ
Let’s now address some frequently asked questions about this Irish Fadge (Potato Cakes) Recipe. From the best way to use leftover mashed potatoes to how to make the pancakes not soggy, I will cover it all in this section. So, let’s continue reading to get an idea of how to prepare perfect potato cakes every time!
What are Irish fadge cakes made from?
For this recipe, we will need some cooked and mashed potatoes, which can either be freshly made or leftover from a previous meal. We will also need unsalted butter for greasing, as well as an additional 2 tablespoons to be melted. The recipe also requires the use of 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 medium egg, 4 ounces of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. We will be using some extra flour for rolling out the dough as well.
Are potato cakes Scottish or Irish?
Potato scones and potato cakes are interchangeable terms for the same dish. They are referred to as potato scones in Scotland and potato cakes in Ireland. However, both are commonly served as a part of a hearty breakfast or savory meal.
What are tattie scones called in Ireland?
These savory delights are known by various names such as potato scones, fadge, or potato bread in Ireland. Tattie scones are fuss-free to whip up and an ingenious solution to utilize excess mashed potatoes.
Why are my potato cakes soggy?
If you happen to notice that your potato pancakes are damp and soft instead of being crunchy, it is possible that your skillet and oil are not heated enough. It’s important to ensure that the oil and pancakes make a sizzling sound when they come in contact with the pan. It is also essential not to overfill the pan by attempting to cook multiple pancakes simultaneously.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Irish Fadge is an all-time favorite in traditional Irish cuisine, and for excellent reasons. This recipe is easy to follow and does not require any complicated techniques. The ingredients are simple but create a delicious flavor that’s sure to be loved by many. The best part of this recipe is that you can use leftover mashed potatoes to make it, so nothing goes to waste!
With its tender texture and savory flavor, you simply just can’t resist the Irish Fadge. Whether you have it for breakfast or dinner, with some crispy bacon or creamy chive sour cream, it’s perfect for satisfying your cravings.
So, what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today and share your Irish Fadge with friends and family. Trust me; they won’t be able to get enough of it!
Irish Fadge (Potato Cakes) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb freshly cooked potato
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (margarine)
- 3/4-1 cup flour
Instructions
- Mash the potatoes (make sure there are no lumps).
- Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with the butter.
- Knead in enough flour to make a pliable dough (usually 3/4 cup is enough).
- Roll out to about 1/2" thick and cut into round patties about 4"across.
- Heat a non stick skillet and brown on each side 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with butter (you can sprinkle them with sugar if you are serving them as a treat).
- NB: These are very tasty fried in bacon grease and served with breakfast.
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.