If you’ve ever wanted to dive into a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and a little bit of heat, Batata Harra is your new best friend. This Lebanese-inspired spicy potato dish is packed with a perfect balance of crispy golden potatoes, tangy garlic, fresh herbs, and a kick of heat that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, side dish, or even a main course, trust me, this one is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Batata Harra
Batata Harra isn’t just another potato dish. It’s packed with bold flavors and textures that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about potatoes. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for any meal or served as a snack on its own. It’s super flexible!
Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are a pantry staple that won’t break the bank, yet this dish feels so fancy and flavorful.
Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients, you can have a dish full of layers of flavor on the table in no time.
Customizable: Don’t like too much heat? Feel free to adjust the chili or spice levels to suit your taste. You can even add other veggies or proteins if you want to make it more substantial.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone talking. Whether it’s served at a gathering or just a cozy dinner at home, Batata Harra is always a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the crispy, spicy goodness that is Batata Harra:
For the Potatoes:
- Potatoes: The star of the show! Choose starchy potatoes like russets for the best crispy texture.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying, bringing out a rich flavor while crisping up the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- Garlic: Fresh, fragrant garlic is essential for that bold flavor.
- Red chili or chili flakes: Adds that much-needed spice. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.
- Fresh coriander (cilantro): The herb that brightens the dish and adds a nice citrusy note.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to balance the richness of the potatoes and elevate the dish.
- Ground cumin: For an earthy, warm undertone that complements the heat.
- Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and color.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to create this incredible Batata Harra:
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling (or leaving the skin on, if you prefer) and cutting the potatoes into small cubes. The smaller the cubes, the crispier they’ll get, so aim for bite-sized pieces.
Fry the Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the potato cubes and season with salt and pepper. Fry until they’re golden and crispy on the outside, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Make the Flavorful Sauce: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and sauté it until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it! Add the chili (or chili flakes), cumin, and paprika, and stir everything together. Let the spices toast for another minute.
Toss the Potatoes in the Sauce: Add the crispy potatoes back into the pan and toss them in the sauce. Make sure each piece gets coated with all that delicious garlicky goodness. This is where all the magic happens.
Finishing Touches: Add fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the potatoes. Toss once more, making sure the flavors are well-distributed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Batata Harra hot and enjoy it as a side dish or a standalone snack. You can also sprinkle some extra cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Batata Harra
Batata Harra is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. It goes perfectly with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or you can enjoy it alongside a refreshing salad for a lighter meal. It also makes a fantastic side dish to any Middle Eastern-inspired feast. Or, enjoy it on its own with a cool drink!
Additional Tips
- If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can bake them in the oven after frying them to get that extra crunch.
- Feel free to swap the chili for a milder pepper if you want to dial down the heat.
- For an even more aromatic flavor, try adding a pinch of sumac to the dish—it gives a lovely tangy note.
FAQ’s
- Can I make Batata Harra without garlic?
Garlic is an essential part of the flavor profile, but you can skip it if you have an allergy or just don’t like it. The dish will still be delicious! - What kind of potatoes should I use?
Starchy potatoes like russets work best for crispy Batata Harra. They absorb flavors well and crisp up nicely when fried. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more chili or chili flakes for an extra kick. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for added heat. - Can I bake the potatoes instead of frying them?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, bake the potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes, turning them halfway through. - Can I use frozen potatoes?
Fresh potatoes work best for this recipe, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re thoroughly cooked and crispy. - How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover Batata Harra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot pan or oven to bring back that crispy texture. - Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and color. Just cook them along with the garlic and spices. - Can I use dried coriander instead of fresh?
Fresh coriander adds a burst of flavor, but if you only have dried, it will work too. Just use a little less since dried herbs are more potent. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time, but they’re best when served hot and crispy. If you do prepare them in advance, reheat in the oven to crisp them up again. - What can I serve with Batata Harra?
Batata Harra is delicious on its own or served with grilled meats, salads, or dips like tahini or yogurt. You can also enjoy it as part of a mezze platter.
Conclusion
Batata Harra is a fun, flavorful, and easy dish to make, and it’s guaranteed to add a little excitement to your meal rotation. The crispy potatoes, spicy kick, and fresh herbs create a satisfying and mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!
Print
Batata Harra
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A spicy and flavorful Lebanese dish made with crispy potatoes, garlic, chili, and a blend of aromatic spices, perfect as a side or a main vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the chili flakes, cumin, paprika, and turmeric to the garlic, and stir for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and toss them in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Season with salt to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat, and drizzle with lemon juice and zest. Garnish with chopped cilantro and pomegranate seeds if desired.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Adjust the chili flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
- This dish can also be served with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce for added creaminess.
- For a crunchier texture, you can also roast the potatoes in the oven instead of pan-frying them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg