Transforming Leftover Mashed Potatoes into Irish Boxty
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover mashed potatoes, Irish Boxty is the perfect solution. This traditional Irish dish transforms simple mashed and grated potatoes into versatile and delicious potato pancakes. Think of them as a marriage between a soft buttermilk pancake and a crispy hash brown. Delightfully simple yet endlessly adaptable, Irish Boxty is a must-try addition to your breakfast or brunch repertoire.
What Are Irish Boxty?
Boxty are traditional Irish potato pancakes that come in various forms, including boiled dumpling-like variations, baked bread-style boxty, or the more common griddled pancakes. These golden delights are made from a combination of leftover mashed potatoes and freshly grated raw potatoes. Held together with buttermilk, flour, eggs, and baking soda, boxty achieves a balance between crispy and soft textures. It’s essentially a savory potato pancake that can easily swing toward sweet or savory dishes, depending on the pairing.
What to Serve with Irish Boxty
The versatility of boxty shines in its ability to pair with a variety of dishes. Traditionally, it’s served alongside a hearty Irish breakfast—a feast that includes bacon, sausage, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and even black or white pudding.
For lighter fare:
- Top boxty with a poached egg, smoked salmon, and sour cream.
- Serve rolled up like an omelette filled with vegetables, meats, and cheese.
For dinner:
- Pair them with rich Irish beef stew or lamb stew for a comforting meal.
For a sweeter twist, top with butter and jam or honey, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
Delicious Additions
The basic boxty recipe provides a blank canvas for creativity. To elevate their flavor:
- Add sliced scallions, grated cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack), or fresh herbs to the batter.
- Include crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra texture.
- For a spicy kick, consider mixing in chili flakes or paprika.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Boxty
Ingredients:
- 5 medium russet potatoes (2 pounds), peeled
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted or clarified butter
Method:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Chop half the peeled potatoes and boil in salted water until very tender (about 12 minutes). Drain well. Meanwhile, grate the remaining raw potatoes using a box grater (or food processor) and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, leaving you with dry potato shreds.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Add the grated potatoes to the same bowl, followed by buttermilk, flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and add the egg. Stir until it forms a thick yet spoonable batter.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 150°F (or as low as it can go) to keep the cooked pancakes warm.
- Fry the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt 1/4 tablespoon of butter. Spoon 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet, flattening it gently into a pancake shape. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Keep Warm: Transfer fried boxty to a baking sheet and place them in the oven to stay warm while frying the remaining batter. Continue this process until all the batter is used.
Storage Tips
Leftover boxty can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. To reheat, use a microwave or a dry, non-stick frying pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutritional Details (Per Serving)
- Calories: 308
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Potassium: 932mg
Why You'll Love It
Boxty is more than just a way to repurpose leftovers—it’s a dish steeped in Irish tradition and adaptability. Whether served as part of a savory meal or turned into a sweet treat, these golden potato pancakes are guaranteed to win you over.
Popular Pairings and Variations
- Pair boxty with classic Irish dishes like Colcannon or Irish stew.
- Try other potato-based favorites like German Bratkartoffeln or Spanish Tortilla for global culinary inspiration.
With boxty in your kitchen arsenal, you’ll never waste mashed potatoes again!
