Irish Potato Bread (Irish Farls)
Ingredients
- 750 gpotatoes
- 30 gbutter
| melted
- 225 gplain flour
- good pinch o salt
| omit if using salted butter
- extra butter and olive oil to fry
Directions
- 1
Peel and cut potatoes into quarters or large chunks. Add to a large pot of cold water.Bring potatoes to the boil, then reduce to a hard simmer. Cook potatoes until they are tender and cooked through.
- 2
Strain potatoes into a colander and leave to cool.
- 3
When the potatoes are cool enough to handle place in a potato ricer and rice/mash your potatoes into a large bowl.Alternatively use a potato masher and mash well making sure there are no lumps.
- 4
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl.If you are adding extra ingredients to spruce your Irish potato bread up, now is the time to do so. Further information above or in the recipe card's note section.
- 5
Using a spoon mix ingredients together until it becomes difficult to keep mixing.
- 6
Continue mixing the dough in the bowl with your hands.Check for dough consistency.If you find your dough a little too sticky to handle, add some more flour to make it manageable.
- 7
Remove dough from bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Give it a quick knead until smooth.If you still find the dough a little too sticky add some more flour while kneading.The dough is on the sticky side, but should be manageable with flour dusted hands.Divide the dough into six equal portions and shape into balls.
- 8
Working one at a time place a ball of dough on a lightly floured surface.You can use a clean kitchen bench, or wooden board that has been covered with some baking paper.
- 9
Lightly flour a rolling pin and roll out the dough ball to the desired thickness.3mm (one eighth of an inch) for thin, or half a centimeter (just under a quarter of an inch) for thicker bread.
- 10
Cut the rolled out dough into quarters.Alternatively, you can cook them whole for larger pieces of Irish potato bread.
- 11
Place a non-stick frypan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and a dollop of butter.Once the butter has melted add pieces of dough to the pan.Fry on one side until golden, then turn them over with a spatular. Once the other side is golden and the bread is cooked through remove from the pan.
- 12
Place the cooked Irish potato bread on a tray in the oven on low heat to keep warm. Make sure to cover the bread with aluminium foil to stop them from drying out. Continue cooking the rest of the dough. Add more butter and oil to the pan as needed.
Irish Potato Bread (Irish Farls)
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About this Recipe
Craving a taste of Ireland, perhaps for a hearty breakfast or brunch? These traditional Irish potato bread farls are the answer, delivering authentic flavor and satisfying texture with remarkable simplicity. This easy flat bread recipe is a staple you'll be glad to have in your repertoire.
What makes these potato farls truly special is their humble origin and straightforward preparation. Using only four core ingredients—potatoes, flour, butter, and a touch of salt—this recipe transforms simple pantry items into a delicious and comforting treat. It's an excellent way to create something wonderful without any fuss, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
When you bite into an Irish farl, you can expect a wonderfully soft interior with a slightly chewy texture, encased in a golden, buttery crust from frying. Each piece offers a subtle, natural sweetness from the potato, complemented by the richness of butter and a hint of salt. It's a genuinely comforting experience, promising a warm and satisfying start to your day. This recipe yields 6 servings, providing a generous portion for a family breakfast or brunch.
While traditionally enjoyed simply, you have a little flexibility. If you're using salted butter, you can omit the added pinch of salt as suggested, ensuring the perfect balance of flavor. This recipe is also a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover mashed potato, making your prep even quicker and more efficient.
These savory Irish potato farls are an indispensable part of an authentic Ulster Fry, making them the perfect accompaniment to a full Irish breakfast. They also stand alone beautifully as a comforting side to eggs or enjoyed simply with a smear of butter.