Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Potato Farls - Irish Potato Bread



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...There are two types of farls, or non-rising bread, that can be found in Ireland today. The farl is a circular flat bread that is cut into four wedges for serving, and it's the triangular shape that gives the bread its name. Last year, I posted a recipe for Four Farls that's made from the same type of dough used to make soda bread. Today, I'd like to walk you through the version of the bread that's made from potato mash and flour. This is the more practical of the two recipes because it is a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Yeast was not typically used in Irish kitchens of the past. The climate did not lend itself to the type of wheat usually used to make yeast breads, so cooks leavened breads with soda and kept ingredients to a minimum. Farls, of both types, were cooked in skillets on the hob, or stovetop, rather than in ovens. I'm breaking with tradition and will bake, rather than fry, the bread in order to cut back on the amount of butter that is used. The only trick to making this version of farls is the need to use day old mashed potatoes. They simply will not hold together if newly mashed potatoes are used. In Ireland, the farl may be served with soups and stews and used to mop up gravy. They are also used as the base of a breakfast dish called an Ulster Fry in which the farls are topped with things such as blood pudding, rashers, tomatoes or sausage. I used leftover Champ to make the farls I'm featuring today. That worked out wonderfully well because they are so nicely seasoned. If your potatoes are a standard mash, I recommend you add scallions for extra flavor and a bit of color. Whether they are cooked in an oven or stovetop, the farls should not be moved until their underside has browned and crusted. They taste like a cross between a biscuit and potato pancake. I really like these and make them whenever I have leftover mashed potatoes. I think you will enjoy them, too. Here's the recipe.

Potato Farls...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional:1/2 to 1 cup scallions
1/4 cup diced cold butter + butter for serving
2 cups day old mashed potatoes
1/4 cup milk

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Liberally coat a cookie sheet with vegetable oil or butter.
2) Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, rub in butter using fingertips until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3) Stir in scallions if you are using them.
4) Stir in mashed potato and enough milk to make a soft but not loose dough. Divide dough into two portions and place on a well-greased baking sheet. Pat and roll or press each portion into a 1/2-inch thick round. Mark surface into quarters without cutting completely through dough.
5) Bake for about 20 minutes or until tester inserted into center of farls comes out clean. Top will be very lightly colored but underside of farl will be golden brown. If you wish top to have more color, spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray and run under a broiler for a minute or two. Remove from oven. Cut into quarters and serve immediately. Pass extra butter at table. Yield: 8 servings.









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27 comments :

Gerry @Foodness Gracious said...

They sound just like the "tattie scones" I had growing up in Scotland :) A tasty snack and great on a sandwich..for me anyway.
Thanks for the memories..

Katarina said...

I like mashed potatoes in bread! Have a nice day!

Epicurea said...

i'm looking for different ways of reducing the amount of food thrown away, so what a wonderful idea to use up mashed potato leftovers. plus, any combination of potato and bread sounds heavenly!

Big Dude said...

I learn so much from your blog - it's like a cooking Wikipedia.

James Brewer said...

I bet these go well with a stew too, especially for mopping up!

Kim said...

I like this bread, it's so good.

Unknown said...

I just adore potato bread. There is something so moist and wonderful about it. Thanks for sharing, Mary!

Lenia said...

Never heard of it before!It looks delicious!Blessings,dear!

SImple and Serene Living said...

This sounds delicious, Mary.

What's Baking?? said...

Mmm...I can just imagine the taste. Looks wonderful, Mary!

Banana Wonder said...

You had me at "cross between biscuit and potato pancake" two of my favorite things. What a delicious bread. I need to try this...and scallions all the way!

Valerie Gamine said...

I had never heard of potato farls until now, which is amazing since I adore potatoes!
Yet another delicious piece of food trivia. Thanks, Mary. :D

Unknown said...

How interesting and delicious sounding! It seems there are just an infinite number of wonderful new recipes to try, especially in ethnic cuisines!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

We are going to be ... so so ready for St. Patrick's Day. Thanks, Mary.

Fondly,
Glenda

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have never heard this word before, or of such a recipe! Looks good!

Claudia said...

It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without potatoes on the plate. I'm going to start mashing up some potatoes for Saturday!

Linda said...

How different and interesting this is! I love the idea and great way to use up leftover potatoes!

Pam said...

I have a feeling this potato bread would disappear quickly in my home. It looks great Mary.

Diane said...

This is a recipe I have often thought I would like to try, maybe now I will get around to it! Keep well Diane

City Share said...

I remember making something like this ages ago... thanks for reminding me how much I like them.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE Irish potato bread - real comfort food that tastes delicious!
Mary x

Ana said...

It looks absolutely delicious. I often buy potato bread at the supermarket. This looks so much more interesting! Thank you for sharing, and thanks for the interesting information.

Joanne said...

A bread that I've never tasted and haven't even heard of!?!?!? I need to try this.

kitchen flavours said...

I think we would really enjoy this. We love potatoes and this sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing, have a lovely day!

Juliana said...

So interesting this potato bread, first time I that Ive heard of it...great to use leftover mashed potatoes.
Hope you are having a fantastic week Mary :)

Lora said...

What an interesting and delicious looking potato bread. I love the idea of using mashed potatoes. Consider this bookmarked!

The Harried Cook said...

Mary, I LOVE this recipe... I just have to try it soon! And what a great way to use up potato! Thanks so much for sharing :)

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