Name: Traditional St. Patrick's Day Boxty
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) potatoes, half raw and half cooked and mashed; 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar as substitute); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Butter or oil for frying; Optional: finely chopped chives or green onions

Traditional St. Patrick's Day Boxty served on a festive table.

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Why Make This Recipe

Boxty is a classic Irish potato dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a delightful and comforting way to celebrate this festive occasion with family and friends. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish or top it with your favorite toppings for a savory snack. Making boxty from scratch honors the traditional methods passed down through generations and adds a unique touch to your holiday feast.

How to Make Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Boxty

Ingredients:

2 lbs (900g) potatoes, half raw (Russets recommended) and half cooked and mashed
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar as substitute)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Butter or oil for frying
Optional: finely chopped chives or green onions

Directions:

Peel and boil half of the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Mash them while still warm and set aside.
Grate the raw potatoes using a box grater or food processor with grating attachment.
Wrap the grated raw potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid sogginess.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated raw potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper.
Gradually stir in the buttermilk until you get a thick, scoopable batter, similar to thick pancake batter.
Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt a generous pat of butter until foaming.
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and flatten it lightly with the back of a spatula.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden and crispy, then flip gently and cook another 3-4 minutes.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning or undercooking.
Work in batches, adding more butter as needed, and keep cooked boxty warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
Serve hot, optionally topped with chives, green onions, smoked salmon, sour cream, or other desired toppings.

How to Serve Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Boxty

Boxty is best served hot. You can serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with toppings. Popular options include smoked salmon, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of chives or green onions for freshness. It fits well with a hearty Irish stew or can be enjoyed as a savory snack with a cold drink.

How to Store Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Boxty

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the boxty in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Tips to Make Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Boxty

Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated raw potatoes. This helps in achieving a crunchy texture.
Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more buttermilk to adjust the consistency.

Variation

You can modify this recipe by adding finely chopped herbs, like parsley or dill, into the batter for added flavor. Another variation is to mix in grated cheese for a cheesy boxty treat.

FAQs

Can I make boxty in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.

What type of potatoes should I use?
Russet potatoes are commonly used for their starchy nature, which yields the best texture. You can also experiment with other types if desired.

Can I freeze boxty?
Yes, you can freeze cooked boxty. Place layers of parchment paper between the pieces, store them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven.