Irish Potato Farls Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional staple of Irish cuisine, turning simple mashed potatoes into a warm, crispy bread. Perfectly soft inside and golden outside, these savory farls make an excellent accompaniment to any breakfast or meal.

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 quarters (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

• If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or chopped fresh herbs to the dough.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Use leftover mashed potatoes to reduce waste and add a slight tang if the mash contains sour cream or buttermilk.
• Try serving farls with smoked salmon and crème fraîche for a modern Irish brunch twist.

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 to restore their crispness. You can also freeze uncooked dough or cooked farls for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before cooking or reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Irish Potato Farls without leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can make fresh mashed potatoes specifically for this recipe. Just be sure to cool them completely before mixing to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.

What can I serve with potato farls?

Potato farls pair wonderfully with traditional Irish breakfast items like eggs, sausages, and beans. They also work well as a base for smoked salmon or with butter and jam for a simple snack.

Irish Potato Farls Recipe

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Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made by combining mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter into a dough. The dough is rolled out, cut into quarters (farls), and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. A beloved staple of Irish cuisine, these farls are perfect served warm with butter, eggs, or as a breakfast accompaniment.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• 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 dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it just until smooth, being careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture.
3. Roll and shape: Roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick on the floured surface.
4. Cut into farls: Cut the dough circle into four equal wedges, known as farls.
5. Heat skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat with no oil.
6. Cook farls: Place each farl in the hot skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and slightly crisp, ensuring the inside remains soft and fluffy.
7. Serve warm: Serve the farls warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast items for a comforting and traditional Irish meal.

Notes

• Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
• Do not add oil or butter to the pan; the fat in the dough is sufficient for cooking.
• Farls can be reheated or frozen for meal prep and quick breakfasts.
• Try pairing farls with smoked salmon, sausage, or cream cheese for versatile serving options.
• Gentle kneading is important to keep the farls tender and prevent them from becoming tough.

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