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Irish Potato Farls Recipe

4.7 from 75 reviews

Irish Potato Farls are traditional Irish potato breads made from simple ingredients—mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and butter—shaped into quarters and pan-fried to golden perfection. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a crisp exterior, these farls are a comforting, hearty addition to any breakfast or meal, reflecting generations of Irish culinary ingenuity.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Farl Dough

  • 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. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, salt, and melted butter. Stir and mix well until a soft dough forms that holds together.
  2. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead it just until smooth, being careful not to overwork it to maintain tenderness.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring it’s evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  4. Cut into Farls: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the circle into four equal wedges or farls, which gives the bread its traditional shape.
  5. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. There is no need to add oil or butter as the dough contains fat and will brown nicely on its own.
  6. Cook the Farls: Place the farls in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior while remaining soft inside.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with butter, eggs, or your favorite breakfast accompaniments for a traditional Irish meal.

Notes

  • Use leftover mashed potatoes that are cooled for best results and to prevent sticky dough.
  • Knead the dough gently to avoid tough farls.
  • Cooking on medium heat helps the farls cook through without burning the outside.
  • Farls can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet or oven for later meals.
  • Try adding chopped herbs or scallions to the dough for a flavor twist.

Keywords: Irish Potato Farls, Potato Bread, Traditional Irish Bread, Breakfast Bread, Potato Farls Recipe, Pan-fried Potato Bread