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Irish Potato Farls Recipe

4.6 from 97 reviews

Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made by combining leftover mashed potatoes with flour, salt, and butter, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while soft and fluffy inside. This simple yet hearty dish is a staple of Irish cuisine, often enjoyed as part of an Ulster Fry breakfast or alongside other breakfast favorites, offering a taste of Irish culinary heritage and comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Farls

  • 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. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter until a uniform dough forms, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
  2. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the potato dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough just until it becomes smooth without overworking, preserving its tender texture.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a circle about 1/4 inch thick, making sure it’s even in thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  4. Cut into Farls: Slice the dough circle into four equal wedges, known as farls, using a knife or bench scraper.
  5. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. No oil or additional fat is needed as the farls have butter in the dough.
  6. Cook the Farls: Place the farls onto the hot skillet, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes until they develop a golden brown and slightly crisp crust while remaining soft inside.
  7. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the farls warm, optionally with butter, eggs, or your choice of breakfast accompaniments.

Notes

  • Use cooled mashed potatoes to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky.
  • Do not over-knead the dough to keep the farls tender.
  • If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands and work surface with additional flour.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture; they can also be reheated gently in a skillet or toaster.
  • Farls can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Bread, Traditional Irish Recipe, Breakfast Potato Cake, Ulster Fry Side, Pan-fried Potato Bread