Description
Crispy Irish Potato Cakes, also known as Potato Farls, are a deliciously comforting dish made with mashed potatoes mixed into a soft dough, then pan-fried to golden perfection. These potato cakes offer a crispy outside with a fluffy, tender interior, making them a perfect side or snack to enjoy daily.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (starchy potatoes for best texture)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fat
- 6 tablespoons butter (3 tablespoons for dough, 3 tablespoons for frying)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a pot of salted water. Boil for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, ensuring they cook evenly without becoming waterlogged.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Mash them using a ricer, sieve, or traditional masher until the texture is completely smooth and fluffy, which is essential for tender cakes.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 3 tablespoons of softened butter, all the flour, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture until it forms a soft, pliable dough ready to shape.
- Shape the Potato Cakes: Lightly flour a clean surface and flatten the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick. Cut the disk into 8 even triangular pieces (similar to slicing a pizza) for even portions.
- Fry the Potato Cakes: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the potato cakes in the skillet and fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy outside while cooked through inside.
Notes
- Using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold helps achieve the best fluffy texture.
- Ensure potatoes are well drained before mashing to avoid watery dough.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook potato cakes on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Serve warm with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
