Lea Hogg

Quite different and delicious, this was the poor man’s bread in Ireland, now making a fashionable comeback and without doubt poor man’s bread it no longer ain’t …

I came across Boxty while researching Irish food for a promotion with HE The Ambassador of Ireland and Mrs Hennessy and as I never got around to making these pancakes last November , I just thought no better day than Pancake Tuesday. And I had a trial run with tonight’s supper.

I am aware that for you all in the USA, pancake day is not the same occasion as it may be in some parts of Europe, but these potato pancakes are worth a try. I added some Mediterranean Marjoram but you can leave this out. They are Vegetarian Margaret Rose ! I am keeping my word …

If you want a gluten free option substitute the flour with buckwheat flour.

You will need:
2 medium potatoes, boiled
2 medium potatoes, grated and drained for 15 minutes
1 egg
100ml buttermilk or substitute with plain yoghurt if not available.
1 cup flour, I use self raising, a much fluffier pancake
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
I added finely chopped fresh Mediterranean Marjoram

In a large bowl toss the grated potatoes with the flour.

Place the boiled potatoes in a bowl and mash.

Mix together the eggs with the buttermilk or yoghurt and combine the two potatoes mixtures and the liquid in one bowl.
season and add the marjoram or herbs of your choice or simply leave out.

Form patties with your hands.
Fry on both sides in an oil of your choice, I use olive oil.
Make sure the oil is not too hot otherwise the middle of these lovey pancakes will not cook enough.
Lift the patties out of the oil and place them on kitchen towel to soak up any access oil.

I loved them, let me know what you think if you try making them !

And the old irish rhyme
‘Boxty on the griddle, boxty in the pan
If you can’t make boxty, you’ll never get a man’