Name: Authentic Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups (650g/1lb 7oz) 3 medium potatoes (Russet, Maris Piper, Roosters); ¾ cup (4oz/115g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons (1oz/28g) butter (plus more for cooking)

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Introduction

Irish Potato Farls are a classic traditional treat that highlights simple ingredients with comforting results. These crispy, fluffy potato cakes make a perfect snack or side dish for any meal. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, they bring a taste of Ireland to your kitchen.

The image shows five triangular pieces of golden brown fried bread arranged closely together in a black non-stick pan. Each triangle has a crispy, textured outer layer with uneven browning patterns ranging from light golden to darker caramel tones. The pieces appear thick and fluffy, with the edges slightly rounded and crisp. The pan handle is visible at the bottom, and the background surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups (650g/1lb 7oz) 3 medium potatoes (Russet, Maris Piper, Roosters)
¾ cup (4oz/115g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons (1oz/28g) butter (plus more for cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and chop your potatoes, then weigh them to ensure accuracy.
Step 2: Steam or boil the cubed potatoes in a medium pot until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes in a sieve over a bowl and let them dry slightly for 5 minutes.
Step 4: While still hot, pass the potatoes through a sieve or use a ricer or masher to mash until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add flour, salt, pepper, and melted butter to the potatoes and stir until a dough forms a ball.
Step 6: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and flatten into an 8-inch round disc. Cut the disc into 6 pieces with a large knife.
Step 7: Melt a knob of butter in a frying pan over medium heat until bubbling. Add the potato farls and cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Step 8: Serve immediately while hot as part of a traditional Irish meal or snack.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the dough.
If you don’t have a sieve or ricer, a potato masher works well but avoid over-mashing to keep the texture light.
Farls can be cooked in a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet for even browning.
Serve with butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple, classic taste.

Storage

Store cooled potato farls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a frying pan over medium heat with a little butter to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen; separate layers with parchment paper and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate with a red patterned rim shows a breakfast meal of three golden-brown triangular hash browns stacked on the left, a fried egg with a bright yellow yolk and white edges on the right, a halved grilled tomato with a slightly charred surface placed above the egg, and two crispy strips of browned bacon resting above the hash browns and tomato. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface with a red and white cloth napkin nearby, and silver fork and knife placed to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of potato for this recipe?

For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russet, Maris Piper, or Roosters as they yield a fluffy texture. Waxy potatoes may result in a denser farl.

How do I make sure the farls don’t fall apart while cooking?

Make sure to dry the potatoes well before mashing and use the right amount of flour to bind the dough. Cooking on medium heat with enough butter will help them hold together and brown nicely.