Irish potato farls are a traditional dish from Ireland, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a comforting side. These delicious potato cakes are simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients. The result is a golden brown, crispy exterior with a soft and fluffy interior, perfect for pairing with butter or your favorite breakfast items.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be easily found in most supermarkets. You will need potatoes, all-purpose flour, butter, and salt. If you don't already have these items at home, they are typically available in the produce, baking, and dairy sections of the store.
Ingredients For Irish Potato Farls
Potatoes: The main ingredient, providing the base for the farls. Use medium-sized potatoes for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the mashed potatoes into a dough and gives structure to the farls.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, making the farls tender and delicious.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the farls, ensuring they are well-seasoned.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mashing the potatoes, ensure they are completely smooth to avoid lumps in the dough. Using a potato ricer or food mill can help achieve a finer texture. Additionally, when rolling out the dough, be gentle to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the farls.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a slightly sweeter flavor and a similar texture when mashed.
potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be mashed to a similar consistency and is a lower-carb alternative.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a bit more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: This is a good option for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and can add a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a good dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different kind of umami flavor and saltiness, though it will change the color and taste slightly.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the potato farls to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each farl individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped farls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep out moisture and air, which can cause freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they have been stored.
- Store the farls in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated farls, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
- For frozen farls, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat them directly from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Avoid using a microwave to reheat the farls, as it can make them rubbery and unevenly heated.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potato farls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the potato farls on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, reheat the potato farls in a skillet. Heat a small amount of butter or oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the farls for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through and have a nice golden crust.
For a more unconventional method, use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the potato farls on the rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pot: Used to boil the potatoes until they are tender.
Colander: Essential for draining the boiled potatoes.
Potato masher: Helps in mashing the potatoes until smooth.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, and salt.
Measuring cup: Ensures accurate measurement of the flour.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the melted butter and salt accurately.
Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Knife: Used to cut the dough into quarters.
Frying pan: Essential for cooking the farls until they are golden brown.
Spatula: Used to flip the farls while cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for rolling out and cutting the dough.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-boil the potatoes: Boil and mash the potatoes in advance, then store them in the fridge until you're ready to make the farls.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash the potatoes using a food processor to save time and ensure a smooth texture.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the flour, butter, and salt beforehand to streamline the mixing process.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra farls for a quick reheat on busy mornings.
Non-stick pan: Use a non-stick frying pan to reduce cooking time and ensure easy flipping.

Irish Potato Farls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and quartered
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, melted butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Cut into quarters.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the farls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter or as a side to your favorite breakfast.
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