Potato cake facts for kids
Potato cake is a name given to various shaped potato dishes around the world. It can be a patty made from hashed potatoes, a fried patty of mashed potato, a fried and battered slice of potato, or even a flatbread made with mashed potato and flour. In some parts of Australia, a thin slice of potato that is battered and deep fried might be called a potato scallop, potato cake, or potato fritter.
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Hashed Potato Cakes
In some parts of England and America, a potato cake is a patty made from hashed potatoes. These are a bit like hash browns. You can often find them fresh or frozen in supermarkets. Many restaurants, including fast food places like McDonald's and Whataburger, serve them. They are often part of the breakfast menu. Sometimes, the term can also mean a type of potato pancake.
Mashed Potato Cakes
Another type of potato cake is popular in the United Kingdom. This version is made from cold mashed potatoes and fresh eggs. The mashed potatoes and eggs are mixed together. Then, the mixture is fried until it becomes crispy on the outside.
Potato Scallops (or Fritters / Cakes)
In Australia and England, potato scallops are thin slices of potato. These slices are dipped in batter and then deep-fried. The name for this dish changes depending on where you are in Australia!
- In Victoria, Tasmania, and parts of New South Wales, they are called "potato cakes."
- In other parts of New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT, they are called "potato scallops" or just "scallops." To avoid confusion, scallops (the seafood) might be called "sea scallops."
- In South Australia and New Zealand, "potato fritter" is the most common name.
In northern and central England, they are often called "scollops." In other areas of England, they are called "fritters." This type of potato dish is usually a thin slice of potato, dipped in batter and deep-fried. People usually add only salt and vinegar for flavor.
In New Zealand, this battered and fried potato slice is called a potato fritter. However, a "potato scallop" in New Zealand is often made from mashed or grated potato and is not battered or deep-fried. Hash browns are also available and are different from these. In Scotland, what Australians call a potato scallop is known as a potato fritter.
Sometimes, the term "potato cake" can also mean mashed potatoes baked like a pie. Or it can be a scallop made using potatoes or potato flour. In U.S. fairs, these battered potato treats are known as "battered potatoes."
Irish Potato Bread
Irish potato bread is usually made from mashed potato. It also contains either flour or baking soda. This bread is typically fried. It is important to know that this is not the same dish as boxty. Boxty is made using raw potatoes, while Irish potato bread uses cooked potatoes. In Ireland, potato bread is often served as part of a traditional breakfast. It is usually eaten with soda bread and toast.
Tattie Scones
Scottish tattie scones and Lancashire potato cakes are made from mashed or reconstituted potato and flour. They are baked on a griddle. These are often served fried with breakfast. They can also be a snack with butter or margarine. People sometimes eat them with other toppings like baked beans, scrambled eggs, garlic butter, or tomato ketchup.
