Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake, is a delectable dish with a rich history. Originating in the 16th century, it was a staple food for rural communities, offering sustenance and nourishment during challenging times. Made from grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk, boxty can be cooked in various ways: fried, griddled, or baked. This versatile dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and is often served with accompaniments like butter, fried eggs, or bacon. In this article, we present a collection of boxty recipes that explore different cooking methods and flavors. From classic fried boxty to hearty baked boxty loaves and even gluten-free variations, these recipes cater to diverse dietary preferences and cooking styles. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through Ireland's beloved potato pancake tradition.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
BOXTY (IRISH POTATO PANCAKES)
Boxty, breadlike potato pancakes that originated in Ireland as early as the late 18th century, were created as a resourceful way to transform less-than-stellar potatoes into a hearty side dish. Variations of these crisp, chewy potato pancakes abound, but most involve some combination of mashed potatoes, grated potatoes, flour, baking soda or baking powder; buttermilk or eggs are sometimes added for richness. Popular in pubs but also made at home, they're typically served as an accompaniment to stews and rich meat dishes. This recipe is adapted from "The Irish Cookbook" by Jp McMahon (Phaidon, 2020), who serves them in a more modern fashion, with smoked salmon, sour cream and pickled onions, which balance and brighten.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories brunch, dinner, lunch, weeknight, breads, vegetables, side dish
Time 45m
Yield About 12 pancakes
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare the pickled red onions: Slice the red onion thinly from stem to stem, then transfer slices to a small heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium, stirring occasionally, until sugar and salt dissolve, then pour on top of onions; set aside.
- Prepare the boxty: Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water; season generously with salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Peel half the potatoes, then cut them into 1-inch cubes, tossing the cubes into the water as you go. Once the water comes to a boil, continue to cook until potatoes are soft, 10 to 15 minutes.
- While the diced potatoes boil, peel the remaining potatoes, then grate them coarsely using a box grater. Season the grated potatoes generously with 2 teaspoons sea salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, toss to coat, then transfer them to a clean, dry kitchen towel. Squeeze the grated potatoes over a sink to remove the excess liquid, then transfer them to a large bowl.
- Once the diced potatoes are soft, transfer them to a colander to strain, then transfer to the large bowl with the grated potatoes; mash until creamy, and mashed and grated potatoes are well combined.
- Pour the buttermilk on top of the warm potato mixture and stir briefly just to combine.
- Add the flour and baking powder and stir until thoroughly combined.
- In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Working in batches, spoon in the potato mixture using 1/3 cup measure to form small 3- to 4-inch-wide pancakes, leaving at least 1 inch of space between pancakes. Cook until nicely browned on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining pancakes, adding more butter between batches as needed.
- Serve pancakes topped with pickled red onions, and smoked salmon and sour cream, if you like.
BOXTY, IRISH POTATO PANCAKES, WITH BANGERS IN A GUINNESS MUSHROOM AND ONION GRAVY RECIPE - (4.3/5)
Provided by Booper-2
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- BANGERS, MASH, AND GRAVY: Heat the oil in a pan over medium high heat. Add the sausage and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes per side, and set them aside, slicing them as desired. Add the onions and mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Add the Guinness, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar along with the sausage and simmer for 10 minutes. BOXTY: Mix the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, and enough milk to make a nice thick pancake like batter. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the batter and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. You can also add 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar to the pancakes if you'd like. : Add chopped herbs to the pancakes! :Top with fried egg
Tips: Achieving Perfect Boxty Pancakes
- Grate the potatoes finely: Using a grater with small holes ensures a smooth and even texture for the pancakes.
- Squeeze out excess moisture: Removing excess moisture from the grated potatoes prevents the pancakes from becoming soggy and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Use a combination of flours: Incorporating both all-purpose flour and potato flour helps achieve the right balance of texture and flavor.
- Season the batter well: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper; they enhance the potato flavor and add depth to the pancakes.
- Cook over medium heat: Cooking the pancakes over medium heat allows them to cook evenly without burning.
- Flip the pancakes carefully: Use a spatula with a thin edge to carefully flip the pancakes to prevent them from breaking.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: Boxty pancakes can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as butter, sour cream, or even fried eggs.
Conclusion: A Taste of Irish Tradition
Boxty pancakes, with their unique combination of grated potatoes, flour, and seasonings, are a cherished part of Irish cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a savory breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a delightful dinner, these pancakes offer a taste of Ireland's culinary heritage. Their versatility allows for endless variations, from simple to elaborate, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. So, gather your ingredients, follow the tips provided, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the flavors of Ireland with these delectable boxty pancakes.
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