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Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) Recipe

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4.3 from 40 reviews

Batata Harra is a traditional Lebanese spicy potatoes side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Crispy roasted potato cubes are tossed with a flavorful garlic, red pepper, and cilantro sauté, making it an ideal accompaniment for mezze spreads or grilled meats. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and tang from lemon wedges served on the side.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 8 medium gold potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Garlic Pepper Mixture

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, divided
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro, divided

Serving

  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the peeled and cubed potatoes evenly in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt to season.
  2. Roast Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes until they become golden brown and crispy, about 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through roasting to ensure even browning on all sides.
  3. Make Garlic-Spice Oil: While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper flakes, and half of the chopped cilantro. Sauté gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
  4. Toss Potatoes with Garlic Mixture: Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer them back to a large bowl or leave on the baking sheet. Pour the garlic and red pepper oil mixture over the potatoes. Add the remaining crushed red pepper flakes and the rest of the chopped cilantro. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the potatoes with the spicy, herby mixture.
  5. Serve: Serve the Batata Harra hot or warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to add a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch, then pat dry.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
  • This dish is traditionally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
  • Serve as part of a mezze platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled meats for an authentic Lebanese experience.
  • Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor and bright color.
  • Stir occasionally during roasting if potatoes crowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Lebanese
  • Diet: Vegan