Name: Authentic Irish Potato Farls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 cups (650g/1lb 7oz) potatoes (Russet, Maris Piper, Roosters) (about 3 medium potatoes); 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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There’s something magical about recipes that have stood the test of time. They connect us to history, to culture, and to the people who came before us.

Today, I’m sharing a beloved classic from the heart of Ireland: the Authentic Irish Potato Farls. Whether you’re looking to recreate a traditional Irish breakfast or simply want to enjoy a comforting dish with a rich heritage, this recipe is for you.

Potato Farls, also known as Potato Cakes, are a quintessential part of Irish cuisine. They’re simple yet satisfying, made with humble ingredients like potatoes, flour, and butter. Fried to golden perfection, they’re crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. Pair them with eggs, bacon, and tomatoes for a true Irish breakfast experience, or enjoy them on their own as a snack or side dish.

Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delightful potato farls from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to its roots, delivering the classic taste of traditional Irish potato farls.
Simple Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients—potatoes, flour, salt, and butter.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Versatile: Serve them as part of a full Irish breakfast or enjoy them as a standalone treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 potato farls:

4 cups (650g/1lb 7oz) of potatoes (about 3 medium-sized Russet, Maris Piper, or Rooster potatoes)
¾ cup (4oz/115g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons (1oz/28g) butter (plus extra for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own authentic Irish potato farls:

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into small cubes. For accuracy, weigh the potatoes after peeling and chopping to ensure you have the right amount for the recipe.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Place the cubed potatoes in a medium pot and steam or boil them until tender. This should take about 20–25 minutes. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the pot and let them sit in a sieve over a bowl for about 5 minutes to dry off slightly.

3. Mash the Potatoes

While the potatoes are still hot, pass them through a sieve to achieve a light, fluffy texture. If you don’t have a sieve, you can use a ricer or a masher instead.

4. Make the Dough

Add the flour, salt, pepper, and melted butter to the mashed potatoes. Stir everything together until it forms a cohesive dough.

5. Shape the Farls

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and flatten it into an 8-inch round disc. Using a large knife, cut the disc into 6 equal pieces.

6. Fry the Farls

Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat and melt a generous knob of butter until it starts bubbling. Carefully place the potato farls in the pan and fry them for about 5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip them over and cook for another 4–5 minutes on the other side. The farls should be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Serving Suggestions

Potato farls are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

Traditional Irish Breakfast: Serve them alongside fried eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, and black pudding for an authentic Irish breakfast feast.
Snack or Side Dish: Enjoy them on their own with a dollop of butter or as a side dish with soups and stews.
Creative Twists: Top them with sour cream and chives, smoked salmon, or avocado for a modern twist.

Tips for Success

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet, Maris Piper, or Rooster potatoes work best for this recipe as they yield a fluffy texture.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together to avoid tough farls.
Cook Over Medium Heat: This ensures that the farls cook evenly without burning.

A Bite of Irish Heritage

Potato farls are more than just a dish—they’re a connection to Ireland’s rich culinary history. They originated as an ingenious way to use up leftover potatoes and have since become a cherished staple in Irish households. Their simplicity is their charm, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something truly special.

So why not bring a little bit of Ireland into your kitchen? This Authentic Irish Potato Farls recipe is easy to follow, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving comfort food, these golden potato cakes are sure to hit the spot.

Happy cooking—and as they say in Ireland, Sláinte! (Cheers!)