Boxty
A traditional Irish favorite, these potato pancakes are a delightful mix of grated raw and creamy mashed potatoes. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they're perfect for breakfast or as a savory side dish.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes
- b.Peel all the potatoes. Cut half of them (about 1/2 lb) into uniform chunks. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- c.While the potatoes boil, finely grate the remaining raw potatoes using a box grater.
- d.Place the grated potatoes in the center of a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the ends and twist tightly over a bowl to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set the squeezed potatoes aside.
- e.Let the potato liquid sit in the bowl for 5-10 minutes. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the white potato starch at the bottom. Reserve this starch.
- f.Once the boiled potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for a minute to steam dry. Mash until completely smooth, then let them cool slightly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Form the Batter
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry, squeezed raw potatoes and the cooled mashed potatoes.
- c.Add the reserved potato starch, all-purpose flour, baking soda, 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Mix with a fork until just combined.
- d.Pour in the buttermilk and stir until a thick, slightly lumpy batter forms, similar to a thick porridge. Do not overmix. If the batter is too stiff, add another tablespoon of buttermilk.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Boxty
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat until it shimmers.
- c.Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake into the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Gently flatten each scoop into a circle about 1/2-inch thick.
- d.Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, until deep golden brown, crispy on the edges, and cooked through. Flip only once to ensure a good crust.
- e.Transfer the cooked boxty to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Add the remaining butter to the pan and repeat with the rest of the batter.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Hot
- b.Serve the boxty immediately while they are hot and crispy.
- c.Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with a dollop of sour cream, butter, or applesauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most critical step for crispy boxty is squeezing all the liquid from the raw potatoes. A potato ricer can also be used for this.
- 2Using starchy potatoes like Russets or King Edwards yields the best fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- 3Recovering the potato starch from the squeezed liquid and adding it back to the batter enhances the texture and binding.
- 4Ensure your pan is properly preheated before adding the batter to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
- 5Keep cooked boxty warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish frying the remaining batches.
- 6For a traditional Irish breakfast, serve boxty alongside bacon, sausages, eggs, and black pudding.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbaceous
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to the batter for a fresh, herby flavor.
CheesyCheesy
Mix 1/2 cup of grated sharp cheddar or Irish Dubliner cheese into the batter before frying.
SpicySpicy
Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
MeatyMeaty
Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or finely diced ham for a more substantial pancake.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Energy
The potatoes and flour in Boxty provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making it a filling and satisfying dish.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
This recipe uses buttermilk, a fermented dairy product that contains probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Boxty, which is typically two pancakes, contains approximately 310-350 calories. This can vary based on the size of the pancakes and the amount of butter used for frying.