The Best Ulster Boxty, Period!
TRADITIONAL IRISH BOXTY
From the heartland of Ireland, a traditional Irish boxty is fundamentally a potato pancake. Fine grated potato combined with flour and milk to create a potato batter. The batter is fried off with butter on a griddle or flat iron until golden. They are at their best when rested overnight and reheated a second time.
In the north of Ireland, in a province called Ulster, a boxty can also be known as a potato scone owing to more of a Scottish influence. It is in essence the same except mash potato is used in place of fine grated potato.
This is my reinvention on a traditional Irish boxty dish. While holidaying in the west of Ireland with family, we were introduced to a traditional Irish boxty. What was essentially a simple potato pancake, fried until crispy and served sandwich style with a cheese and onion filling. Here i have tried to reinvent a Irish staple with ingredients easily picked up in most local markets. Taking an everyday potato scone and elevating it to next level tastiness.
IRISH BOXY INGREDIENTS
- POTATO BREAD: Bit of a cheat this one but to keep this recipe simple, i went to the local shop and picked up my favorite potato scone.
- GOATS CHEESE: Fresh goats cheese is very hard to beat with this recipe. There are usually aged and fresh goats cheese available to us. I have tried the dish with both. The fresh cheese when warmed is more like a decadent moreish mousse and is my preferred choice.
- CARAMELIZED RED ONION: For a quick and easy lunch use store bought of course but if you have time and prefer a culinary journey then why not try my Caramelized Red Onion Chutney recipe too.
- SMOKED BACON: Use your favorite smoked bacon. The salty smokiness of the bacon helps cut the sweetness of the caramelized onion.
- Oil: I use a plain vegetable oil. In this recipe the ingredients should be your flavors. No seasoning required when using the best ingredients.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This dish is delectable due to its contrast between the sweetness of the caramelised red onion, the acidity of the goats cheese and the saltiness of the smoked bacon. If you are not a lover of red onion, change the sweetness to your own taste. Why not try plum chutney or pieces of fruit like pineapple.
Love your food.
RECIPE
My Best Irish Boxty, Period!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of potato bread
- 150 g goats cheese
- 4 tbsp caramelized red onion
- 6 rashers smoked bacon
- 4 thsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Add oil to a frying pan and fry off the bacon on a medium heat. Grill for a healthier alternative.
- Add potato bread to the pan and fry until warmed through.
- Take two slices of fried potato bread and cover with 2 tbsp of caramelized red onion.
- Take two slices of the fried potato bread, top with goats cheese and place under a high heat grill. The cheese will soften and color.
- Accompany with 3 slices of bacon
- Enjoy