Boxty | Irish Potato Pancakes (Crispy and Delicious)
These delightful Irish potato pancakes, known as Boxty, offer a mouthwatering treat that’s both crispy on the outside and soft within. Each bite marries the comforting warmth of mashed potatoes with the wholesome texture of grated potatoes, creating a savory experience that dances on your palate. The combination of rich buttermilk and starchy potatoes brings out a flavor that recalls home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish, these pancakes deliver both satisfaction and nostalgia.
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I still remember the first time I tried making Boxty with my grandmother. Her kitchen was filled with the scent of freshly fried pancakes, and I was instantly hooked. It’s hard to resist the allure of golden-brown edges and crispy bites that remind you of the best brunch moments. Whether served with a dollop of sour cream or simply enjoyed on their own, these pancakes make for a delightful addition to any meal. I’m excited to share this recipe with you and cannot wait for you to experience the joy of flipping your own batch at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: These pancakes come together easily, making it a go-to recipe for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of mashed and grated potatoes results in a rich flavor and appealing texture that’s simply unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These pancakes are not only tasty but also fun to present; your family and friends will be impressed!
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a hearty breakfast, a tasty snack, or a delightful side at dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them vegan by swapping in your favorite cooking oil instead of butter or lard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Using a starchy variety, like russets, gives the right texture for the pancakes. You can prepare these in advance.
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes: Grate fresh, starchy potatoes for the perfect balance of flavors. Make sure to wring out excess moisture for crispiness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for binding the ingredients together and creating that delicious pancake texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes, but don’t overdo it!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the pancakes rise slightly for a fluffy inside.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups buttermilk: Adds richness and moisture; adjust as needed to get the right consistency.
- Butter, bacon grease, or lard for frying: For the best flavor and crispiness in your pancakes. If you prefer a vegan version, use vegetable oil.
- Optional add-ins: Consider mixing in chopped green onions or shredded white cheddar cheese for an extra flavor kick.
How to Make Boxty | Irish Potato Pancakes (Crispy and Delicious)
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Start by boiling two cups of starchy russet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them until smooth. Allow the mashed potatoes to chill until completely cold, ideally overnight for the best texture.
Grate the Raw Potatoes: Take two cups of russet potatoes and grate them. Place the grated potato in a clean cotton kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy pancake exterior.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, and a mixture of two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and one and a half teaspoons of salt.
Add Buttermilk: Pour in one and a half cups of buttermilk and gently combine the ingredients. If the mixture feels too thick or dry, don’t hesitate to add a touch more buttermilk until you achieve a thick yet slightly pourable consistency.
Fry the Pancakes: Heat a generous amount of butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop portions of the potato mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly into patties. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, usually about 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully, ensuring both sides are nicely browned without overcooking.
Keep Warm and Serve: As you fry the remaining Boxty, keep the finished pancakes warm in a preheated oven set to a low temperature. Serve your Boxty hot and fresh for the best taste experience.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your leftover Boxty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for about a week. You can also freeze these pancakes for up to three months; just be sure to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the pancakes in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to refresh their crispy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Watch the heat! If your skillet is too hot, the outside will brown quickly while the inside remains raw.
- Grate the potatoes just before using to avoid browning and preserve freshness.
- If you like a touch of flavor, herbs like chives or parsley can be mixed in for an aromatic twist.
- Make the mashed potatoes ahead of time to save time before frying.
- Adjust the thickness of the batter by adding buttermilk, ensuring it’s not too runny or dry.
Making Boxty can be a fun, engaging experience. The recipe’s simplicity allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures.
FAQ
What can I serve with Boxty?
You can enjoy Boxty on its own or serve it with a variety of sides, such as sour cream, applesauce, or even eggs. Some love pairing them with smoked salmon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor!
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Be mindful to check the consistency; you might need to adjust the amount of buttermilk.
Can I make Boxty in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the potato mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before frying to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
How do I keep my Boxty from becoming soggy?
The key is to wring out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes and not overcrowd the skillet while frying. This allows each pancake to get the heat it needs for that perfect crisp!
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📖 Recipe Card
Boxty | Irish Potato Pancakes (Crispy and Delicious)
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Experience the delightful flavor of Boxty, traditional Irish potato pancakes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This easy recipe uses a combination of cold mashed and grated potatoes, ensuring a rich taste in every bite—perfect for a quick dinner or comfort food craving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes (use a starchy/mealy variety such as russets)
- 2 cups grated raw potatoes (use a 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 (vegan: use oil)
- optional add-ins: chopped green onions/scallions, shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Boil, drain, and mash the potatoes. Chill until cold or overnight.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Grate the potatoes, place them on a clean kitchen towel, and wring out as much liquid as possible.
- Place the cold mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, and flour mixture in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and mix well. If the mixture is too thick, add more buttermilk as needed.
- In a heavy pan over medium-high heat, add butter, bacon grease, lard, or oil. Scoop the potato mixture to form individual patties and flatten them.
- Fry until the bottom is nicely browned, then flip and brown the other side. Adjust heat as necessary to ensure the raw potato cooks through.
- Transfer fried boxty to a warm oven while frying the remaining patties.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Allow the mashed potatoes to chill completely for best texture.
Add-ins like green onions or cheese can enhance the flavor of the pancakes.
Ensure the frying temperature is correct to avoid uneven cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
