Gluten-Free Irish Boxty Potato Pancakes

Gluten-free Boxty Irish potato pancakes are a healthier take on a traditional Irish recipe. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potato cakes are everything you need to kickstart an Irish-inspired meal.

If you've never heard of an Irish Boxty, you're not alone. In a nutshell, this recipe takes mashed potatoes and turns them into a latke. What's not to love? Irish boxty is a traditional Irish potato pancake that has been satisfying hunger across Ireland for generations. And I just had to make a gluten-free version of it.

This gluten-free take on a beloved dish stays true to the original, adapting it in miniscule ways that make it accessible to those with dietary restrictions. If you have no problems with gluten, you can follow this recipe with regular flour - it'll turn out just as good!

Irish Boxty pancakes are surprisingly easy to make at home, and I love how it requires only a handful of ingredients. My favorite thing to do is use leftover mashed potatoes to make this the next morning for breakfast.

These gluten-free potato pancakes come out crispy on the outside while still beautifully tender on the inside. They're just as versatile—perfect for breakfast, or even as an appetizer or side dish at dinner.

What Is the Origin of The Name Boxty? 

The origin of the name "Boxty" is thought to come from the Irish phrase "arán bocht tí" which translates to "poor-house bread," or from "bacstaí," which refers to the traditional method of cooking over an open fire. The name reflects the dish's humble beginnings; boxty was a way to make a filling meal from simple, inexpensive ingredients during times when other foods might have been scarce.

When to Serve These Potato Pancakes?

Boxty pancakes are a beloved breakfast item in Ireland, commonly served with generous toppings such as butter, sour cream, or applesauce. But the beauty of this dish is also in its versatility, so rest assured you can serve Boxty potato pancakes at any time of the day. For heartier meals, boxty pancakes pair excellently with proteins like sausages or bacon and can also serve as a comforting side dish to a main course.

Moreover, boxty pancakes hold a special place in Irish culture and are particularly apt for celebrations of St. Patrick's Day. As a nod to Irish heritage, they can be featured as part of the feast on this festive occasion, where they complement the array of Irish dishes that honor the patron saint of Ireland. Whether for a leisurely St. Patrick's Day breakfast or as part of the spread for a Hanukkah gathering, boxty pancakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

As a twist on the ordinary, I like to serve these pancakes for Hanukkah! While boxty pancakes are not a traditional Hanukkah food, their method of preparation, which involves frying in oil, aligns with the Hanukkah tradition of eating oil-based foods. This connection makes them a fitting and delicious alternative to the customary latkes served during the Jewish Festival of Lights.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here's what you need to make a batch of this gluten-free Irish recipe:

• Large potatoes: We’ll be using these starchy beauties to form the base of our pancakes. Opt for Russet potatoes for best results. 
• Gluten-free flour: This helps to bind our ingredients and creates a smooth texture in our pancakes. Use regular all purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
• Milk: I prefer using milk to add creaminess to the batter, but you can use a dairy-free alternative if you like.
• Egg: This acts as a crucial binder and gives the boxty a slight richness.
• Butter: I always go for a nice dollop of butter when frying to get that crisp, golden-brown exterior. It adds great flavor!
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning is key! A good pinch of both will enhance all the other flavors.

See the recipe card for exact quantities. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Boil and Mash the Potatoes:

Begin by boiling one potato in a pot until it softens. Once it's soft enough, drain the water and mash with a potato masher until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Grate and Dry:

While the boiled potato is cooking, take another raw potato and grate it. After grating, squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potato. This step is crucial to ensure your boxty pancakes are not soggy.

Mix the Batter:

In a large bowl, combine the grated potato with the mashed potato. To this potato mixture, add a beaten egg, a splash of milk, and mix in with your hands. Then, sprinkle in enough gluten-free flour to create a type of potatoey dough. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir the mixture until it forms a thick batter.

Fry the Pancakes:

Heat a cast iron pan or any frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, spoon the batter into the pan in portions. Flatten each portion slightly to form pancakes. Let them cook for a few minutes per side, until each pancake is crispy and golden brown. Lower the heat if necessary to prevent burning.

Continue frying the pancakes, adding more oil or butter to the pan as needed, until all the batter is used.

Serve:

Serve the gluten-free boxty pancakes hot with a dollop of sour cream on top for a comforting and tasty meal.

Storage and Freezer Instructions

Here's how to keep any leftover boxty potato pancakes fresh:

Refrigerator:

• After the boxty cool down, I transfer them to an airtight container.
• I make sure to eat them within 3 days.

Freezer:

• For freezing, I wrap each pancake individually in cling film or parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Then, I place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• My boxty pancakes can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To reheat, I use a toaster or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until they're warm and crispy.
• If they're frozen, I recommend thawing them in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Variations

Irish boxty, a classic potato pancake, offers delightful versatility, especially when you’re aiming for a gluten-free diet. I've discovered several variations that keep it both interesting and catered to dietary needs.

• Basic Gluten-Free Boxty: At its core, a simple boxty requires just a few ingredients: grated potatoes, gluten-free flour, and a binding agent like egg or buttermilk. For a basic version, I often just swap the regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Herb and Spice Infusion: To elevate the flavor, I'll add fresh herbs like parsley, or a kick with some chilies. It's amazing how a little parsley and chilies can transform the taste.
• Sweet Potato Boxty: For a sweeter twist and a boost of vitamins, I'll use sweet potatoes. They add a naturally sweet flavor and a vibrant orange hue that makes for a tempting plate.
• Vegan Options: When I'm cooking for friends who prefer vegan options, I ensure to use dairy-free milk and skip on the egg. A bit of creativity with binding agents like flax eggs does the trick.
• Add-Ins for Texture: I like to experiment with add-ins for texture, like finely chopped onions or even some cheese for a gooey surprise.

Accompanying Dishes And Serving Suggestions

When I make Irish boxty pancakes, I love to pair them with a variety of toppings and sides. I usually serve them with:

• Butter: A simple pat of butter melting on top never fails to please.
• Smoked Salmon: For an elegant twist, top your boxty with smoked salmon.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream complements the potato flavor beautifully.

If you're looking for side dishes, I love to pair these boxty cakes with: 

Sausages: Adding a juicy sausage alongside can transform it into a hearty and satisfying meal, ideal for times when you're looking for something more substantial.

Fried Eggs: For those who enjoy a savory breakfast, topping the dish with a fried egg makes for a perfect morning indulgence. Make a combination similar to my breakfast latkes for the ultimate breakfast!

For a healthier twist, I like to add a side of:

• Arugula Salad: Arugula or spinach salad dressed with a vinaigrette and paired with sweet apples.
• Roasted Vegetables: Brings color and nutrition to the plate.

Recipe