Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

5 from 3 votes

Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

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 Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Lebanese

Servings: Servings

Author: Mariam Ezzeddine

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