Boxty – A Traditional Irish Delight for Shrove Tuesday
Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutes
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Boxty, a beloved Irish dish, takes center stage on Shrove Tuesday, offering a delightful combination of grated raw potatoes, mashed cooked potatoes, and a touch of flour for binding. This culinary masterpiece is versatile, prepared by either frying in a pan or browning on a griddle. As the famous Irish jingle goes, “Three pans of boxty, baking all the day. What use is boxty without a cup of tay?”
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (grated)
- 1 1/3 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 6 tablespoons of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons of butter (for cooking)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 486
- Fat: 18.7g
- Saturated Fat: 11.6g
- Cholesterol: 49mg
- Sodium: 1311.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 72.4g
- Fiber: 4.4g
- Sugar: 14.5g
- Protein: 8.2g
Rating: 4.5 stars from 2 reviews
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Squeeze the grated potatoes as dry as possible using a tea towel. -
Mix the Ingredients:
In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes, flour, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk, using enough to create a mixture that holds together. Let the mixture stand for 1 hour. -
Heat the Frying Pan:
Heat a 23cm – 25cm heavy frying pan until very hot. Drop in the butter and allow it to melt. -
Cook the Boxty:
Pat the potato mixture into the pan with a spatula, ensuring an even distribution. Cook over medium heat until the underside is set and golden brown. -
Flip and Brown:
Slide the pancake onto a plate, invert it back into the pan, and let the other side brown. -
Serve with Sweetness:
Serve the boxty straight from the pan, accompanied by a sprinkle of brown sugar and melted butter.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra crispy texture, press the grated potatoes between paper towels to remove excess moisture before mixing.
- Experiment with toppings like sour cream, chives, or smoked salmon for a personalized touch.
- Make a batch and freeze extras for a quick and delicious meal later.
Conclusion:
Boxty, with its rich history and delicious flavors, is not just a meal but a cultural experience. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can bring the taste of Ireland into your home, creating a memorable meal for family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the Irish spirit, and savor the delight of homemade boxty! 🥔🍀✨