Boxty: A Delicious Twist on Irish Potato Pancakes
Introduction:
Of all the Irish recipes passed around online, boxty stands far and above among the less traditional ones. However, boxty is such a staple in Irish cooking that there are several rhymes about it! Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on potato pancakes or craving a taste of Irish cuisine, these boxty pancakes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 3 Russet potatoes, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Boiling and Mashing:
- Peel and dice 2 of the Russet potatoes. Dice the remaining potato and place it in a pot with just enough water to cover them. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and boil until fork-tender.
- Drain the cooked potatoes, mash them, and place them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to cool.
Grating the Potatoes:
- When ready to make the boxty, peel and grate the remaining potatoes. Place them in paper towels and wring to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
Combining Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, baking soda, and 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash more buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Cooking the Boxty
Frying the Pancakes:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Spoon large dollops of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down to flatten each pancake. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the boxty is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Serving
Garnishing and Serving:
- Once cooked, transfer the boxty pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the boxty hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding grated cheese or chopped herbs to the potato mixture before frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the potato mixture to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Leftover boxty pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a skillet until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the mashed potatoes in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to use. This can save time when you’re ready to cook the boxty.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
A: While traditional boxty is made with Russet potatoes, you can experiment with sweet potatoes for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Adjust the seasoning to taste accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze leftover boxty pancakes?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked boxty pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a skillet or oven until heated through before serving.