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Breakfast

Tattie Scones (Potato Scones)

The Quirky Foodster Team

(0)
15 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
4
Servings

Ingredients

  • 500g (1 lb) floury potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 25g (2 tbsp) butter, plus extra for frying
  • 100g (3/4 cup) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

Method

  1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until tender, then drain well.
  2. Mash the potatoes with the butter until smooth and leave to cool slightly.
  3. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder into the mash and bring together into a soft dough.
  4. Turn onto a floured surface and roll out to about 5mm (1/4 in) thick.
  5. Cut into rounds or triangles and cook on a hot, dry griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Introduction: Tattie scones grew out of a thrifty tradition of using up leftover mashed potato and have become a fixture of the full Scottish breakfast alongside egg, bacon and black pudding.

Cultural Background: Tattie scones grew out of a thrifty tradition of using up leftover mashed potato and have become a fixture of the full Scottish breakfast alongside egg, bacon and black pudding. Thin, savoury and griddle-cooked rather than baked, they are closer to a flatbread than a sweet scone, and are just as often fried in butter for extra crispness before serving.

Tips: Handle the dough as little as possible for the lightest scones. A dry griddle or non-stick pan works best; the potato's own starch prevents sticking.

Variations: Fry in butter after griddling for a crisper, richer finish. Add finely chopped chives or spring onion to the dough for extra flavour. Naturally vegetarian; use a plant-based butter to make fully vegan.

Storage: Store cooled scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a dry frying pan or toaster for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 5g, Fibre: 2g

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze tattie scones?

A: Yes, layer with baking paper and freeze for up to 2 months; cook from frozen on a low griddle.

Q: What potatoes work best?

A: Floury varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward give the fluffiest mash and best texture.