Boxty Breakfast

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1:

   Set the oven to its lowest setting to keep the cooked boxty warm.

2. 2
   Step 2:

   Peel the potatoes and grate 2 of them; set the grated potatoes aside.

3. 3
   Step 3:

   Cut the remaining 2 potatoes into large chunks and boil for 10–15 minutes, or until tender.

   10–15 min
4. 4
   Step 4:

   Meanwhile, squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated potatoes using a clean tea towel.

5. 5
   Step 5:

   Mash the boiled potatoes.

6. 6
   Step 6:

   Mix the mashed potatoes with the grated potato, spring onions, and flour.

7. 7
   Step 7:

   Whisk the egg white in a large bowl until it holds soft peaks.

8. 8
   Step 8:

   Fold in the buttermilk, then add the bicarbonate of soda.

9. 9
   Step 9:

   Fold the egg-white mixture into the potato mixture.

10. 10
    Step 10:

    Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and some vegetable oil.

11. 11
    Step 11:

    Drop 3–4 spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan.

12. 12
    Step 12:

    Cook gently for 3–5 minutes on each side, until golden and crusty.

    3–5 min
13. 13
    Step 13:

    Keep the cooked boxty warm on a plate in the oven while cooking the next batch, adding more butter and oil to the pan first.

14. 14
    Step 14:

    Make 16 crumpet-size boxty from the mixture.

15. 15
    Step 15:

    If making ahead, drain the boxty on kitchen paper and reheat in a low oven for 20 minutes.

    20 min
16. 16
    Step 16:

    Heat the grill to medium.

17. 17
    Step 17:

    Put the tomatoes in a heavy-based pan with a good knob of butter and a little oil.

18. 18
    Step 18:

    Fry the tomatoes for about 5 minutes, until softened.

    5 min
19. 19
    Step 19:

    Grill the bacon, pile it onto a plate, and keep it warm.

20. 20
    Step 20:

    Stack the boxty with bacon and egg, and serve the tomatoes on the side.