Batata harra is a fiery and flavorful spicy potato dish from Middle Eastern (Lebanese Cuisine). This is vegan and makes a yummy quick spicy side dish or appetizer.

In batata harra crispy, golden roasted potatoes are sautéed with aromatic spices, fragrant herbs, and zesty chili peppers, creating a harmonious symphony of taste sensations. The name "Batata Harra" translates to "spicy potatoes" in Arabic. This is a Middle Eastern delight and belongs to Lebanese cuisine.
In Middle Eastern, potatoes are cooked really spicy in harissa sauce. However, this dish is made with red pepper flakes. Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for extra heat. You can customize the spice level as per your tolerance though.
Cilantro herb is one of the major flavoring herbs. Plus the strong garlic flavor is what makes the potatoes drool-worthy. The herbs, chili peppers, and garlic infuse the dish with a vibrant, fresh, and earthy aroma.
Batata Harra - Spicy Potatoes
The specialty of Batata Harra lies in its bold, spicy, and distinctive flavor. The dish features crispy, golden, deep-fried potatoes. However, you can roast them in the oven or air fryer. The air fryer makes the dish quicker than oven roasting and healthier than deep-fried potatoes. In the air fryer, I make this dish in just 15 minutes. At the same time, it takes 30 minutes or so to make the potatoes in the oven.
Ingredients You'll Need
Potatoes - any potatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Red chili pepper flakes - or paprika
Cilantro leaves - a bunch of
Garlic - fresh garlic cloves - be generous in adding garlic since this adds a nice flavor to the potatoes.
Lemon - zest or juice
Salt to taste
How to make batata harra aka spicy potatoes?
Peel off the skin and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Wash the potatoes once to remove the excess starch. This will make potatoes crispier.
Wipe the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel. Now drizzle extra virgin olive oil and salt. Toss to mix and transfer the potatoes to a lined baking tray. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can also air fry the potatoes, a quicker roasting method. Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400 F for 12 - 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through.
Heat olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cilantro leaves. Saute until the garlic starts to turn golden. For extra heat, add a tsp of paprika to the pan. However, that's optional, and you will be good enough with chili flakes only.
Add the roasted potatoes to the pan and toss to mix potatoes with the herbs and seasonings in the pan. Drizzle some lemon juice over it. Turn off the heat and transfer the spicy potatoes to a serving bowl. Add some more fresh cilantro leaves while serving. Batata harra is ready to be served.
This dish is best when served immediately to retain the crispiness of the potatoes and the vibrant flavors. It's a delicious side or appetizer that's sure to be a hit at your table. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference and savor the unique blend of flavors in this Middle Eastern delight.
Similar Recipes
Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)
Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato diced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp for roasting potatoes + 2tbsp making sauce
- 2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 6 - 8 tbsp finely chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (8 - 10 cloves)
- ½ - ¾ tsp salt or as per taste
Instructions
- Peel off the skin and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the potatoes once to remove the excess starch. This will make potatoes crispier.
- Wipe the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel.
- Now drizzle extra virgin olive oil and salt.
- Toss to mix and transfer the potatoes to a lined baking tray.
- Bake them in a preheated oven at 400F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- You can also air fry the potatoes which is a quicker method to roast potatoes. Air fry the seasoned potatoes at 400 F for 12 - 15 minutes in preheated air fryer. Flip them halfway through.
- In a pan heat olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cilantro leaves.
- Saute till garlic starts to turn golden.
- Add the roasted potatoes to the pan.
- Toss to mix potatoes with the herbs and seasonings in the pan.
- Drizzle some lemon juice over it. Batata harra is ready to be served.
- Add some more fresh cilantro leaves while serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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