Why Make This Recipe
Irish Potato Bread, or Irish Farls, is a delightful and comforting dish that brings a taste of Ireland right to your kitchen. Made primarily from simple ingredients, this bread is not only easy to prepare but also deliciously satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a side, for breakfast, or as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Irish Potato Bread
Ingredients
- 750 grams (1.65 lbs) potatoes
- 30 grams (6 teaspoons) butter (melted)
- 225 grams (1 ½ cups) plain flour
- Good pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter)
- Extra butter and olive oil to fry
Directions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters or large chunks. Add them to a large pot of cold water.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil, then reduce to a hard simmer. Cook until they are tender and cooked through.
- Strain the potatoes into a colander and leave to cool.
- When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, place them in a potato ricer and rice/mash into a large bowl. Alternatively, use a potato masher and ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl. You can also add extra ingredients for extra flavor at this stage.
- Using a spoon, mix the ingredients together until it becomes hard to mix.
- Switch to your hands and continue mixing the dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead it quickly until smooth. If it remains sticky, continue adding flour while kneading.
- Divide the dough into six equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Working one at a time, place a ball on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to your desired thickness: 3mm for thin or half a centimeter for thicker bread.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into quarters. Alternatively, you can cook them whole.
- Heat a non-stick frypan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil and a dollop of butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add pieces of dough to the pan. Fry until golden on one side, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
- Place the cooked Irish potato bread on a tray in a low-heat oven, covered with aluminum foil to keep warm. Continue cooking the rest of the dough, adding more butter and oil as needed.
How to Serve Irish Potato Bread
Irish Potato Bread is delicious warm, and it can be served with a variety of toppings. Enjoy it with butter and jam, as part of a full Irish breakfast, or alongside soups and stews. The options are endless!
How to Store Irish Potato Bread
To store any leftover Irish Potato Bread, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in a pan or toaster before serving.
Tips to Make Irish Potato Bread
- Ensure your potatoes are well-cooked and mashed smoothly for the best texture.
- If you prefer a different flavor, consider adding herbs like chives or spices such as black pepper to the dough.
- If you find the dough too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour as needed.
Variation
You can experiment with your Irish Potato Bread by adding cheese, bacon bits, or herbs into the dough for unique flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes work well. Just omit the boiling step and mix them directly with the other ingredients.
2. Is Irish Potato Bread gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of plain flour. You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
3. How do I reheat the potato bread?
To reheat, you can use a pan over low heat, a toaster, or an oven. Just ensure it is heated through without becoming too dry.
Irish Potato Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and comforting Irish bread made with simple ingredients, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 750 grams (1.65 lbs) potatoes
- 30 grams (6 teaspoons) butter (melted)
- 225 grams (1 ½ cups) plain flour
- Good pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter)
- Extra butter and olive oil to fry
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters or large chunks. Add them to a large pot of cold water.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil, then reduce to a hard simmer. Cook until tender.
- Strain the potatoes into a colander and let cool.
- Once cool enough to handle, rice or mash the potatoes into a large bowl.
- Add the melted butter, plain flour, and salt (if using) to the bowl.
- Mix the ingredients together with a spoon until hard to mix, then use your hands to form the dough.
- If sticky, add more flour as needed. Knead until smooth.
- Divide the dough into six equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Roll out each ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Cut the rolled-out dough into quarters or leave whole.
- Heat a non-stick frypan over medium heat with olive oil and butter.
- Fry the dough pieces until golden on both sides, keeping cooked bread warm in a low-heat oven.
Notes
Ensure potatoes are well-cooked and mashed smoothly for the best texture. You can add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Irish