Irish Potato Farls
A traditional Irish flatbread made from mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, often cooked on a griddle or in a dry frying pan. They are typically cut into quarters ('farls') and served as part of a full Irish breakfast or as a side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper or Russet)(cooked, mashed, and as dry as possible)
- 75 g Plain flour(plus extra for dusting)
- 30 g Butter(melted or softened)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Ensure mashed potatoes are as dry as possible. If using freshly mashed potatoes, leave them in a sieve for a few minutes to allow excess water to evaporate. If using leftover mash, ensure it's not too wet.
💡 Tip: Dry potatoes are key to a good dough consistency. - 2
In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Season the mash well, as this is where most of the flavor comes from. - 3
Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4
Generously flour a clean work surface. Tip the dough onto the floured surface and gently bring it together into a ball. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
💡 Tip: Use plenty of flour to prevent sticking. - 5
Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and cut the circle into four equal quarters (farls).
- 6
Heat a dry, non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat. Carefully transfer the farls to the hot pan, floured side down.
💡 Tip: These are dry-fried, so no oil or butter is needed in the pan. - 7
Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly puffed. You may need to cover the pan for a couple of minutes to help them puff up.
- 8
Remove from the pan and serve warm, ideally with a full Irish breakfast, or buttered as a side dish.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use floury potatoes for the best results, as they mash well and absorb less moisture.
- ✓Ensure your mashed potatoes are not too wet; excess moisture will make the dough too sticky and difficult to handle.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough, as this can make the farls tough.
- ✓Farls can be made ahead and reheated gently in a dry pan.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped chives or spring onions to the dough for extra flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of baking powder for a lighter texture.
- Serve with sweet toppings like jam or honey, or savory options like smoked salmon.