Description
Crispy Irish Potato Cakes, also known as Potato Farls, are traditional, comforting treats made from fluffy mashed potatoes blended with butter and flour, then pan-fried to golden perfection. These savory cakes offer a crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside, perfect as a side dish or a snack you’ll crave daily.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Cake Ingredients
- 2 pounds Potatoes (Russets or Yukon gold) – Choose starchy potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour – Substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
- ½ teaspoon Salt – Enhances flavor; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground) – Adds a touch of warmth; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- 6 tablespoons Butter – Use 3 tablespoons in the dough and save the rest for frying.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and mash them using a ricer, sieve, or masher until the texture is completely smooth and fluffy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth mashed potatoes with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of softened butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir and mix well until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Shape the Potato Cakes: Lightly flour a work surface, then flatten the dough into a disk approximately 1 inch thick. Cut the disk into 8 equal triangular pieces to form the potato cakes.
- Fry the Potato Cakes: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each potato cake for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown, crispy crust while heating through.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for the best texture and flavor.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour one-to-one.
- Make sure the potatoes are well-drained before mashing to avoid a soggy dough.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; you can add herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Serve hot for the best crispiness and taste.
