Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish potato farls are a traditional and comforting staple of Irish cuisine, transforming simple leftover mashed potatoes into a warm, crispy, and fluffy bread. Perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to hearty meals, these quick and easy farls bring a taste of Irish heritage to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes (cooled)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead until smooth but not overworked.
3. Step 3: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Step 4: Cut the circle into four equal wedges (farls).
5. Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat (no oil needed).
6. Step 6: Cook each farl for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Step 7: Serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with rice or oat flour, though the texture may be slightly different.
• Add chopped herbs like chives or parsley to the dough for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Try mixing in a small amount of grated cheese for a richer taste.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes without heavy cream or excessive butter to reduce fat content.
• Serve farls with a variety of toppings such as smoked salmon, crème fraîche, or jam for diverse flavors.

Storage

Store cooked potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to restore crispness. They also freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or toaster oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly made mashed potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky. Freshly made warm mash may require more flour to achieve the right consistency.

Do I need to add oil or butter to the skillet when cooking potato farls?

No, a non-stick skillet or griddle heated over medium heat is sufficient as the farls contain some butter. However, you can lightly butter the pan for extra richness and browning if you prefer.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish quick bread made from leftover mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. Rolled into a circle and cut into quarters, these farls are pan-fried until golden brown and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. They are a beloved staple of Irish cuisine, often served with breakfast, and can be enjoyed with a variety of savory or sweet accompaniments.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 1 pound) mashed potatoes (cooled)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it until smooth, being careful not to overwork to maintain tenderness.
3. Shape the farls: Roll the dough into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin or your hands.
4. Cut into quarters: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough circle into four equal wedges, called farls.
5. Heat skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No additional oil or butter is needed as the farls have butter already.
6. Cook farls: Place each farl on the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
7. Serve warm: Serve the potato farls warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items for a traditional and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use cooled mashed potatoes for best dough consistency.
• You can dust your work surface and dough lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
• Do not over-knead the dough to keep the farls tender inside.
• Leftover farls can be frozen and reheated in a skillet or oven.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary.
• Add herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor if desired.

Keywords: Irish potato farls, potato bread, traditional Irish recipe, breakfast bread, mashed potato recipe, pan-fried bread