Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Boxty is a unique and delicious way to enjoy potatoes, offering a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, pillowy interior. The combination of russet potatoes, buttermilk, and a hint of baking soda creates a perfectly balanced pancake that’s flavorful and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with savory toppings like eggs or simply with a bit of butter, Boxty is a versatile and comforting dish. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 5 medium russet potatoes (2 pounds), peeled
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted or clarified butter
Directions
- Prepare the potatoes: Grate the peeled potatoes into a large bowl using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess moisture.
- Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Add the grated potatoes, buttermilk, and egg to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Cook the Boxty: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter into the skillet, gently pressing it into a pancake shape. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Serve the Boxty hot with additional butter, or enjoy it with your favorite toppings like eggs, or smoked salmon.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Herb Boxty: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the batter for a burst of flavor.
- Cheesy Boxty: Mix in shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyère) into the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Vegan Boxty: Swap the buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative (such as almond milk or soy milk) and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the egg to make it vegan.
- Savory Boxty: Top the pancakes with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or grilled vegetables for a savory dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Boxty in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the Boxty in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter until crispy, or place them in a toaster to reheat and crisp them up.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes for Boxty?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starch content, but you can use other starchy potatoes if needed. Waxy potatoes may not yield the same texture.
2. Can I make Boxty in advance?
Yes, you can make the Boxty ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in a skillet to restore their crispy texture.
3. Can I freeze Boxty?
Yes, you can freeze the pancakes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the skillet or toaster once thawed.
4. How do I make the Boxty extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes before adding them to the batter. You can also cook them in a little extra butter or oil for a crispier edge.
5. Can I make Boxty without baking soda?
While baking soda helps with the texture and rise, you can omit it if you don’t have any. However, the Boxty may be slightly denser without it.
6. What can I serve with Boxty?
Boxty pairs wonderfully with eggs, sausage, smoked salmon, or even sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a sweeter option.
7. How thick should the Boxty batter be?
The batter should be thick and sticky, but not dry. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour. If it’s too thick, add a splash more buttermilk.
8. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter just before cooking for the freshest taste and texture, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours if needed.
9. Can I make a larger batch of Boxty?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
10. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk gives Boxty its signature tang and texture, but if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Boxty is a wonderfully versatile and comforting dish that’s both simple to make and full of flavor. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its crispy edges and tender center, this Irish potato pancake is a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Top it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this classic dish!
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Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake, is a delicious and comforting dish made from grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish. With its hearty potato flavor and versatile toppings, Boxty is a simple yet satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with eggs, or even a dollop of butter.
Ingredients
- 5 medium russet potatoes (2 pounds), peeled
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted or clarified butter
Instructions
- 5 medium russet potatoes (2 pounds), peeled
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted or clarified butter
Notes
- Herb Boxty: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the batter for added flavor.
- Cheesy Boxty: Mix shredded cheese such as cheddar or Gruyère into the batter.
- Vegan Boxty: Use non-dairy milk and a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Savory Boxty: Top with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
