Irish Potato Farls – Ever have one of those days where you just crave something simple, warm, and comforting? This Irish Potato Farls recipe is exactly that. With just a few basic ingredients—potatoes, flour, butter, and a sprinkle of salt—you’ll end up with these golden, crispy slices that are pure comfort. Perfect for breakfast, a side dish, or whenever you need a little something cozy.
The first time I whipped these up was on a cold Sunday morning. I had some leftover boiled potatoes from dinner, and I thought, “Hmm, what if I try something new?” I mashed them up, mixed in a little flour and butter, and tossed them on the pan. The scent was exceptional! My husband wandered in, took a bite, and said, “We need to make this a regular thing.” Even my picky kid couldn’t resist them. Now it’s our little weekend treat, and I look forward to making them every time.
What makes this Irish Potato Farls truly special?
These farls are so easy, yet they’re the kind of food that feels like a warm hug. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and made with things you probably already have in your kitchen. They’re great for breakfast, as a side, or just as a snack when you need something to hit the spot. Plus, it’s a fantastic mode to use up leftover mashed potatoes—less waste, more lusciousness!
What You Need To Make This Irish Potato Farls Recipe?
Potatoes: The star of the show! You want good ol’ starchy potatoes—russets are perfect. They mash up nice and fluffy, which is exactly what you need for these farls. Plus, they’re cheap and always in the pantry, right?
All-Purpose Flour: This is what turns your mashed potatoes into a dough. It’s just enough to hold everything together without making it heavy. But don’t go overboard, or you’ll lose that soft, pillowy texture we love.
Melted Butter: A little bit of melted butter adds that subtle richness and helps everything come together. Plus, butter makes everything better, doesn’t it?
Salt: Simple, but it makes all the difference. Just a pinch is enough to bring out the flavors without overpowering that lovely, earthy potato taste.
Steps To Make Irish Potato Farls:
Start by gathering everything you need. Simple, right?
Pop your peeled and halved potatoes into a pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, drop the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can poke a fork through easily. Turn off the heat, drain out the water, and leave the potatoes in the pot to dry out over the leftover heat for a few minutes.
Mash the potatoes until they’re nice and smooth—no lumps!
While they’re still warm, transfer the mashed potatoes to a medium bowl. Mix in the flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything’s just combined and you’ve got a soft dough.
Lightly flour your countertop (or any clean surface), and turn the dough out onto it. It’s going to be a bit sticky, but that’s okay! Knead it a little bit, then roll it out with a floured rolling pin until it’s about 9 inches across and 1/4 inch thick. Use a floured knife to cut it into four quarters—those are your farls.
Heat up a skillet over medium heat, and sprinkle a little flour on the bottom. Lay down your farls and cook them for about 3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy.
Sprinkle a bit of salt on top, serve them hot, and dig in!
Tip:
Here’s a little secret to making the best Irish Potato Farls: don’t rush the drying process after you drain the potatoes. Once you’ve boiled and drained them, leave them in the pot for a few minutes over the leftover heat. This helps any excess moisture evaporate, giving you a drier, fluffier texture when you mash them. Why does this matter? Because the drier your mashed potatoes, the less flour you’ll need to make the dough, which means softer, more tender farls. Oh, and when you’re rolling out the dough, keep your hands and rolling pin lightly floured to prevent sticking. It makes the whole process a lot smoother!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of boiling fresh ones?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure your mashed potatoes aren’t too wet, or the dough will be sticky. If they’re a bit on the soft side, add a little extra flour to the mix.
What can I serve with potato farls?
Honestly, they’re great on their own, but I love them with a little butter spread on top, or served alongside eggs and bacon for breakfast. They’re also perfect for soaking up gravy or a stew!
How do I store and reheat leftover farls?
If you somehow have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. To reheat, fry them up in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side, and they’ll crisp up beautifully.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Irish Potato Farls Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and cut in half
- 1/4 c all-purpose flour plus a little extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- First, get everything you need ready.
- Fill a pot with water, add the potatoes, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-high and let them simmer for about 20 minutes, or until you can easily poke a fork through the center. Turn off the heat, drain the water, and put the potatoes back in the pot to let them dry out with the leftover heat.
- Give the potatoes a good mash until they’re all smooth and creamy, with no big lumps hanging around.
- Transfer the warm mashed potatoes to a bowl. Add in the flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together gently until you have a dough.
- Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface. It’ll be a bit sticky, so don’t worry. Roll it out into a 9-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Slice the dough into four pieces using a knife dusted with a bit of flour.
- Heat a skillet, sprinkle a bit of flour on the bottom, and cook each piece for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Sprinkle with a touch of salt, and enjoy them while they’re warm!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
