Boxty with Bacon

1. 1
   prep · ~15 min

   Prepare the potatoes.

   1.Peel all 500g potatoes. Place 250g in a pot, cover with cold water, add 1 pinch salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

   2.Grate the remaining 250g raw potato using the large holes of a box grater.

   3.Place the grated potato in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink to extract as much starchy water as possible.

   TIPSqueeze the raw potato until it feels dry to the touch — excess moisture makes the boxty gummy instead of crisp.
2. 2
   mix · ~5 min

   Make the boxty batter.

   1.Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Let cool for 2 minutes.

   2.Add the squeezed raw potato, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, beaten egg, 0.5 tsp salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes.

   3.Mix well with a wooden spoon until a thick, uniform batter forms.

   TIPDon't overmix once the flour goes in — just combine until no dry streaks remain, or the boxty can turn dense.
3. 3
   fry · ~10 min

   Cook the bacon.

   1.Place the bacon slices in a cold large skillet, then set it over medium heat.

   2.Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the fat renders and the bacon reaches your desired crispness.

   3.Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet.

   TIPStarting bacon in a cold pan gives you more control and evenly rendered fat without scorching.
4. 4
   fry · ~20 min

   Pan-fry the boxty.

   1.Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Heat over medium until the butter melts and sizzles.

   2.Drop 2 heaping tablespoons of batter per boxty into the pan, gently flattening each into a 4-inch round.

   3.Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is deep golden and the edges look crispy, then flip carefully.

   4.Cook the second side for another 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining butter and batter.

   TIPDon't crowd the pan — leave at least an inch between each boxty so they crisp up instead of steaming.
5. 5
   assemble · ~1 min

   Plate and garnish.

   1.Place 2 boxty pancakes on each plate. Arrange 2 bacon slices alongside or draped over the top.

   2.Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately, while hot and crisp.

Cuisines we love