Boxty (Potato Griddle Cakes) (Irish)
Boxty is a traditional Irish breakfast potato dish, often described as a potato pancake or griddlecake. It's easy to make, thrifty and comes with its own poem.
Yield
6 servingsPrep
5 minCook
15 minReady
20 minWhat is Irish Boxty?
Boxty is a traditional Irish potato dish, often described as a potato pancake or griddlecake.
The name "boxty" comes from the Irish phrase "arán bocht tí," which translates to "poor house bread."
This dish is made from a mixture of grated raw potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and sometimes eggs.
The batter is then fried in a pan to create a delicious and hearty potato cake.
Boxty is a beloved staple in Irish cuisine and is enjoyed in various forms, including boiled, baked, or as a wrap with savory fillings.
What to serve with Irish Boxty breakfast potato cakes?
Here are some ideas to make your boxty breakfast even more delightful:
- Eggs: A classic pairing for potato pancakes is eggs. You can serve them with a fried or poached egg on top or even as an egg sandwich with a boxty potato cake as the "bread."
- Bacon or sausage: The salty and savory flavors of bacon or sausage complement the mild taste of the potato cakes. Cook them to your preferred level of crispiness and serve alongside the boxty.
- Smoked salmon: For a touch of luxury, add some smoked salmon to your plate. The combination of the rich, smoky fish with the soft potato cakes is simply divine.
- Fresh greens: A simple side salad of mixed greens, dressed with a light vinaigrette, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the boxty.
- Sour cream and chives: A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped chives make a tasty and visually appealing topping for the potato cakes.
- Fruit or fruit compote: For a sweet and tangy contrast, serve your boxty with fresh fruit, such as berries or a fruit compote. This can be especially nice if you've added a touch of sweetness to the potato cakes themselves.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, can add a delicious savory note to your boxty breakfast.
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ | pound |
potatoes
uncooked |
|
| ½ | pound |
potatoes
cooked, mashed |
|
| ½ | cup |
all-purpose flour
|
|
| 2 | tablespoons |
milk
approximately, use just enough to form a batter |
*
|
| 1 | large |
eggs
|
|
| 1 | x |
salt and black pepper
to taste |
*
|
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 226.8 | g |
potatoes
uncooked |
|
| 226.8 | g |
potatoes
cooked, mashed |
|
| 226.8 | g |
all-purpose flour
|
|
| 1 | x |
milk
approximately, use just enough to form a batter |
*
|
| 1 | each |
eggs
|
|
| 1 | x |
salt and black pepper
to taste |
*
|
Directions
To make potato pancakes, grate raw potatoes and mix them with mashed potatoes (either prepared or leftover). Add salt, pepper, and flour.
In a small bowl, beat an egg and add it to the mixture along with barely enough milk to make a thick batter that will drop from a spoon.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skilletover moderate heat. Drop the batter by tablespoonful onto the hot surface. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Serve the potato pancakes with tart apple sauce or as part of an Ulster Fry, along with fried bacon, sausage, eggs, black pudding, bread, or soda bread.
An old poem says:
Boxty on the griddle,
boxty in the pan,
if you can't make boxty,
you'll never get a man.
(The accuracy of the poem is uncertain. )
