If you have never tried Boxty, these delicious Irish potato pancakes will quickly become a family favorite.
My first foray into potato pancakes was latkes, and I’ve enjoyed them every Hanukkah for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Germany in December and experience German potato pancakes at the Christmas markets, which were also delicious. However, I had not tried Irish potato pancakes or boxty until recently.
After some research, I discovered that boxty was a way to make potatoes stretch further in a meal. People would add oatmeal or flour and some form of animal fat or butter to a mixture of mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes. Recipes vary considerably, with some calling for an egg yolk or whole egg, various types of milk, and baking soda or baking powder. However, the recipe here does not use eggs. Instead, the richness and moisture come from the buttermilk.
Are Boxty Pancakes Healthy?
I would not call boxty an overly healthy dish, as it is essentially fried potato pancakes, which I don’t put at the top of the healthy food pyramid. However, as part of a wholesome meal that includes lean protein and vegetables, boxty can be a welcome change of pace from rice and pasta. I consider potato pancakes slightly healthier than deep-fried French fries. You can also fry the potato pancakes in avocado or olive oil rather than butter.
What Makes Boxty Different From Other Potato Pancakes?
The most significant difference is the combination of leftover mashed potatoes and grated raw potatoes. No other potato pancake recipe I’ve made before has that combination. Most potato pancakes are made from just grated potatoes. When making latkes (which traditionally use matzah meal), I use grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and almond flour (in place of matzah meal, as I am gluten-free). Even hash brown patties start with grated potatoes.
I’ve also used leftover mashed potatoes mixed with caramelized onions to make mashed potato pancakes. However, this recipe is the first time I’ve combined the two, and I will say the outcome is mind-blowing. There’s something unique about the creaminess of the mashed potato mixed with the crispiness of the outside and the grated potatoes that create an interesting taste and texture sensation. This combination is so fantastic that I’m at a loss for words. You just have to try it for yourself and see what I mean.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover boxty pancakes can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven, microwave, air fryer, or skillet. Once cooled, they can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Boxty can be part of a main course, served with these Easy Air-Fryer Poached Eggs. You can also create an international mashup using them as the base instead of English muffins for Eggs Benedict With Salmon. Another great meal might include Crock-Pot Cabbage and Turkey Sausage. If you want to try something unusual, skip the green onion garnish, make the boxty thin to use as crêpes, and fill them with Chocolate Whipped Cream and sliced bananas or strawberries. You might be surprised at how good that can be.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups russet potatoes grated
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk plus more if needed
- Butter for frying
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Wring out excess moisture from grated potatoes using a clean kitchen towel. Combine the cold mashed potatoes and grated potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture. Gradually mix in 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, adjusting with more if needed to achieve a thick batter consistency.
- Heat butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop the potato mixture into the pan, forming patties.
- Fry each side until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Adjust heat as necessary to ensure even cooking without burning. Sprinkle with green onions when serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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