My Mum used to feed us up with these potato cakes to complement the smoked cod on Fridays. Truthfully, I find it hard to even look at smoked cod these days, but the Boxty bring back happy memories.
Boxty pancakes, or bacstaí, is a traditional potato dish cooked on St Brigid’s Day. The mixing of Pagan and Christian observances isn’t unusual in Ireland and potato pancakes are influenced by both religions, creating a celebratory association for breakfast. I make them for my dinner. Try these for St Patrick’s Day or any time you feel like it. I do.
Boxty Potato Cakes
Ingredients
- 250 gram plain flour
- 1 teasp baking powder
- 1 teasp salt
- 225 gram mashed potatoes
- 225 gram grated raw potatoes
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- In a small bowl, place the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the grated raw potato, then add the flour and mix well.
- Slowly add the buttermilk and stir gently (do not over mix).The mixture should be like a very firm, thick batter; almost like a dough, so add more buttermilk if needed
- .Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and add a pat of butter,
- Quickly scoop out some of the boxty batter onto the pan.
- Flatten and shape into a nice, round pancake shape and fry until golden brown on the bottom.Turn and continue to cook until golden brown on top too, turning the heat down if they are browning too quickly (remember there are raw potatoes which need to cook).
- Continue to add a little butter and fry the boxty until all the batter is finished. Serve hot.