Carmarthenshire-inspired Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate the flavors of Carmarthenshire by adding leeks and Caerphilly cheese to the traditional Irish Boxty recipe. These additions enhance the savory profile of the dish, giving it a distinct Welsh twist. We alse have the original recipe for Boxty, so you can check it out.

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated (450g) 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated (450g)
• 1 leek, finely chopped 1 leek, finely chopped
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (60g) Caerphilly cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup (60g) Caerphilly cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped leek, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and crumbled Caerphilly cheese.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk.
3. 3.
   Pour the egg and milk mixture into the potato mixture and stir until well combined.
4. 4.
   Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Spoon the potato mixture into the pan, forming small pancakes. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. 6.
   Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the pancakes from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Carmarthenshire-inspired potato pancakes hot, with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated potatoes before mixing them with the other ingredients to ensure crispiness.
• Leeks — Rinse the chopped leeks thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before adding them to the mixture.
• Caerphilly cheese — If Caerphilly cheese is not available, you can substitute it with a similar crumbly cheese like Wensleydale or Cheshire.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, press the pancakes gently with a spatula while frying.
• Serve the potato pancakes immediately after cooking to retain their crispy texture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chutneys, relishes, or even smoked salmon for a gourmet twist.
• Leftover pancakes can be reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• To make the pancakes more substantial, serve them with a side of grilled sausages or bacon.

Serving advice

Serve the Carmarthenshire-inspired potato pancakes as a main course for breakfast or brunch, accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of baked beans. Alternatively, they make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the potato pancakes on a platter, garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve them with a small bowl of sour cream or applesauce on the side for dipping.