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Lebanese Batata Harra, بطاطا حارة or spicy potatoes, is a beloved Lebanese dish that combines crispy cubed potatoes with a fragrant mix of garlic, cilantro, and chili, making them irresistibly flavorful. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a snack.

For more Lebanese inspired recipe, check out my Easy Beef Kafta Recipe as well as the famous Lebanese Tabbouleh.

Batata Harra served on a white plate.
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Batata Harra transforms simple potatoes into something extraordinary. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course, this Lebanese-style spiced potatoes recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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Recipe Summary

  • Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, fresh cilantro, and chili flakes makes this dish stand out.
  • Versatile: Can be served as a side, appetizer, or main dish.
  • Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for batata harra.
  • Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet
  • Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for a real burst of flavor.
  • Red Pepper Paste: Usually found at middle eastern stores. I used mild heat.
  • Spices: Salt, pepper, cumin powder and chili flakes to add flavor.
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin.
  • Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a wonderful zing to the potatoes.
  • Oil: For frying. You can use canola or vegetable oil.

How To Make Batata Harra

Step 1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry with a clean towel.

    fried potato cubes for batata harra.
    Step 2. Cook the Potatoes: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the potatoes and cook until golden and crispy, stirring once or twice (about 10-12 minutes).
    Seasoned garlic with pepper paste in a stainless steel pan.
    Step 3. Prepare the sauce: In a pan, heat the 2 tbsps. of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Mix and sauté for 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
    Garlic cilantro sauce mixture for batata harra in a pan.
    Step 4. Sauté the garlic and spices: Add the cilantro and spices. Cook for about 30 more seconds and set aside.
    Garlic cilantro sauce mixture for batata harra in a pan.
    Step 5. Toss everything together: Once potatoes are ready, warm up the sauce and add the lemon juice. Mix with the spicy garlic mixture and then add the potatoes. Cook together for 2 more minutes so that the flavors meld together.
    Batata harra after cooking in a stainless steal pan.
    Step 6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cilantro and fresh chopped chili pepper if you have some.

    Cooking Variations

    • Oven-Baked: Toss the potatoes with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once cooked, toss into the spicy garlic sauce.
    • Air Fryer: Cook the potatoes in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 20-22 minutes or until fully cooked, shaking halfway. Once cooked, toss into the spicy garlic sauce.

    Recipe Tips

    • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If frying, cook in batches to ensure the potatoes get crispy.
    • Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best for crispy results.
    • Dry the Potatoes: Removing excess moisture before cooking helps achieve a crispier texture.
    • Crispier: For extra crispy potatoes, double fry the potatoes.
    Batata Harra after cooking in a stainless steal pan.

    Common Questions

    Can I make Batata Harra ahead of time?

    Yes, you can fry the potatoes half way and prepare the sauce in advance. Refry them before serving and toss with the sauce.

    How do I get extra crispy potatoes?

    Frying the potatoes twice gets you extra crispy potatoes. Fry the potatoes half way in advance and when it cools, fry it again to finish cooking.

    Can you freeze Batata Harra?

    Batata Harra it’s best enjoyed fresh.

    What does Batata Harra mean?

    In Arabic, “batata” means potatoes, and “harra” means spicy—so the name literally translates to “spicy potatoes.”

    How To You Serve With Batata Harra?

    Batata Harra pairs well with many Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

    Batata Harra after cooking in a stainless steal pan.

    Easy Potato Recipes

    Batata Harra is a simple yet flavorful Lebanese dish that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether fried, roasted, or air-fried, these crispy spiced potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.

    If you try this recipe and like it, please leave a star rating and comment below. Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.

    Batata Harra served on a white plate.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

    By: Mariam Ezzeddine
    Lebanese Batata Harra, بطاطا حارة or spicy potatoes, is a beloved Lebanese dish that combines crispy cubed potatoes with a fragrant mix of garlic, cilantro, and chili, making them irresistibly flavorful.
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 Servings

    Ingredients 

    • 2 lbs. golden or russet potatoes, peeled cubed into smaller pieces
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped and packed
    • ¼ cup lemon juice
    • 1 tbsps pepper paste, milk or spice
    • 1 tsp. salt, or more to taste
    • ½ tsp. cumin powder
    • ½ tsp. black pepper
    • ½ tsp. chili flakes, if using mild pepper paste
    • 6 large garlic cloves, minced or mashed
    • 2 tbsps. olive oil
    • Vegetable or Canola oil for frying

    Instructions 

    • Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry with a clean towel.
    • In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the potatoes and cook until golden and crispy, stirring once or twice (about 10-12 minutes). Prepare the sauce while the potatoes are cooking.
    • In a sperate pan, heat the 2 tbsps. of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Mix and sauté for 15-20 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add the cilantro and spices. Cook for about 30 more seconds and set aside.
    • Once potatoes are ready, warm up the sauce and add the lemon juice. Mix with the spicy garlic mixture and then add the potatoes. Cook together for 2 more minutes so that the flavors meld together.
    • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra cilantro and fresh chopped chili pepper if you have some.

    Notes

    • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If frying, cook in batches to ensure the potatoes get crispy.
    • Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best for crispy results.
    • Dry the Potatoes: Removing excess moisture before cooking helps achieve a crispier texture.
    • Crispier: For extra crispy potatoes, double fry the potatoes.
    Note: Nutritional fact does not include the oil used for frying.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 504mg | Potassium: 1047mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg
    Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
    5 from 3 votes

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