Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Irish Potato Farls are a traditional Irish potato bread made from leftover mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter. These quartered flatbreads are pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. A beloved staple of Irish cuisine, farls are perfect for breakfast or any meal, offering a comforting, versatile way to enjoy simple ingredients with rich cultural heritage.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
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)
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it until smooth but do not overwork it, preserving tenderness.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick on the floured surface.
- Cut into Farls: Cut the dough circle into four equal wedges, called farls.
- Heat Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat; no oil or extra butter is needed.
- Cook Farls: Place each farl on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
- Serve Warm: Serve the potato farls warm with butter, eggs, or your preferred breakfast accompaniments.
Notes
- Use leftover mashed potatoes that don’t contain excessive cream or butter to keep fat content moderate.
- For gluten-free diets, substitute regular flour with rice or oat flour but expect a slight texture change.
- Farls can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated for convenience.
- Add herbs like chives or parsley or mix in grated carrots or cheese for added flavor and nutrition.
- Serve with a range of toppings – savory like smoked salmon and cream cheese, or sweet like jam or honey.
- Cook on a dry pan or griddle; avoid oil to achieve the classic crispy exterior.
Keywords: Irish potato farls, Irish potato bread, traditional Irish recipe, potato flatbread, easy Irish breakfast, leftover mashed potatoes recipe, pan-fried potato bread, Ulster fry component