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Breakfast

Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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20 minutes
Prep

Ingredients

  • 250 g (about 2 medium) raw potatoes, peeled
  • 250 g (1 1/2 cups) cooked mashed potato
  • 150 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter, for frying

Method

  1. Grate the raw potatoes and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a cheesecloth or towel.
  2. Combine the grated potato with the mashed potato, flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
  3. Whisk the egg with milk, then stir into the potato mixture to form a thick batter.
  4. Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Spoon portions of batter into the pan, flattening slightly, and fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  6. Serve warm, traditionally with butter or alongside a cooked breakfast.

Introduction: Boxty combines raw grated and cooked mashed potato into a distinctive pancake, historically associated with the northern midlands and immortalized in the rhyme about a girl who 'won't get a man' if she can't make it.

Cultural Background: Boxty combines raw grated and cooked mashed potato into a distinctive pancake, historically associated with the northern midlands and immortalized in the rhyme about a girl who 'won't get a man' if she can't make it.

Tips: Squeezing out as much liquid as possible from the raw potato is essential for pancakes that hold together well.

Variations: Some versions omit the egg for a denser, more traditional texture. Naturally vegetarian; can be made vegan using a flax egg and plant-based milk.

Storage: Refrigerate cooked boxty in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 260 kcal, 9g fat, 38g carbohydrate, 6g protein.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use leftover mashed potato?

A: Yes, this is a great way to use up leftovers.

Q: Why are my boxty falling apart?

A: The raw potato likely wasn't drained thoroughly enough; squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

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