Zingy Lebanese Batata Harra: A Fiery Potato Recipe You’ll Love

Sizzling Lebanese spicy potatoes have a way of turning an ordinary side dish into a fiery culinary adventure.

These crispy, golden-brown batata harra burst with aromatic spices that dance across your palate.

Chefs throughout beirut cherish this classic recipe for its bold, zesty flavors.

Red chili peppers and garlic create a mouth-watering heat that lifts every bite to new heights.

Each potato piece is carefully seasoned and fried to perfection, promising a tantalizing crunch.

Serve these irresistible potatoes as a stunning appetizer or a vibrant accompaniment to your main course.

You won’t be able to resist reaching for seconds of this addictive Lebanese specialty.

Tips for Storing Batata Harra Without Losing Spice

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Batata Harra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes will remain crispy when properly sealed and chilled.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by spreading cold potatoes on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture and crunch.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Add fresh cilantro and a splash of lemon juice after reheating to revive the original vibrant taste and aroma. This simple trick helps restore the dish's zesty character.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare potato cubes and garlic mixture separately in advance. Store chopped potatoes in cold water to prevent browning, and keep garlic mixture in a sealed container. Combine and roast just before serving for maximum freshness and minimal prep time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)

• Gold Potatoes: Starchy gems that crisp beautifully and absorb incredible flavors, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Liquid gold that helps achieve golden, crunchy exterior while adding rich Mediterranean essence.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that awakens the potato's natural earthiness and balances spice levels.

• Garlic Cloves: Pungent flavor bombs that provide deep, robust undertones and authentic Lebanese warmth, opt for fresh, firm cloves with no sprouting.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Fiery spice element that delivers signature Lebanese heat, select vibrant, fragrant pepper flakes for maximum punch.

• Cilantro: Bright, herbal green that adds freshness and authentic Middle Eastern flair, choose crisp leaves with vivid color and no wilting.
• Lemon Wedges: Zesty citrus that cuts through richness and provides tangy brightness, select plump, heavy lemons with smooth skin for maximum juice.

Tools to Cook Lebanese Batata Harra Like a Local

• Baking sheet: Large, flat metal pan for roasting potatoes evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents potatoes from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: For precise cubing of potatoes and chopping cilantro.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Small pan: Perfect for sautéing garlic and creating spicy mixture.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix and toss potatoes with garlic and herbs.
• Serving dish: Attractive plate to present and serve the spicy potatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amount of spices and oil.

Simple Instructions to Prepare Lebanese Spicy Potatoes

Fiery Lebanese Potato Delight

• Oven Preparation Hot Zone

Crank up your oven to a scorching temperature that promises golden crispy edges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick canvas for your potato magic.

• Potato Transformation

Slice potatoes into perfect cubes, spreading them across the baking sheet like a delicious mosaic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a whisper of salt. Let the oven work its transformative power, turning humble spuds into crispy treasures.

• Flavor Explosion

While potatoes roast, create a sizzling sauce in a small pan. Dance minced garlic and red pepper together, releasing their aromatic symphony. Chop fresh cilantro to add vibrant green notes that will make the dish sing.

• Final Touch

Pull out those beautifully roasted potatoes, their edges crisp and inviting. Tumble them with the spicy garlic mixture, coating each piece with layers of explosive flavor. Scatter remaining cilantro for a fresh burst.

• Serving Sensation

Plate your creation immediately, allowing the warmth and aroma to tantalize taste buds. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.

Spice Tips for Lebanese Batata Harra

• Spice Master's Secrets: Batata Harra Edition
• Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting and crispy edges. Smaller cubes will create more deliciously crunchy surfaces.
• Heat Control: Adjust crushed red pepper quantity to match your spice tolerance. Start with less and gradually increase for personalized heat levels.
• Herb Swap Magic: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs elevate the dish's brightness and aromatic quality.
• Texture Trick: For extra crispiness, pat potato cubes dry with paper towels before roasting. Removing excess moisture helps achieve golden, crunchy exteriors.
• Mediterranean Twist: Sprinkle some za'atar or sumac over the finished potatoes for an authentic Lebanese restaurant-style flavor boost.

How to Serve Lebanese Spicy Potatoes at the Table

• Flavor Party Platter: Create a vibrant mezze spread with hummus, baba ganoush, and warm pita bread, letting guests dive into these spicy potatoes as a centerpiece appetizer.
• Protein Powerhouse Companion: Pair the crispy potatoes with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or seared white fish to transform this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh Cooling Contrast: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce or fattoush salad to balance the spicy kick and provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the crisp, fiery potatoes.
• Brunch Breakthrough: Elevate your weekend breakfast by topping these potatoes with a sunny-side-up egg, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a zesty morning meal that wakes up your taste buds.

Fiery Lebanese Spicy Potatoes

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Lebanese spicy potatoes (batata harra) combine zesty garlic, red pepper, and cilantro for an explosive Mediterranean side dish. Crispy potato cubes deliver a spicy kick that transports diners straight to Lebanese street food culture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 medium gold potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tsps (10 milliliters) crushed red pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and preheat oven to 450°F, establishing optimal conditions for crispy potato roasting.
2. Seasoning and Positioning: Spread potato cubes across the sheet with adequate spacing, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt to promote even browning and intense flavor development.
3. Roasting and Transformation: Bake potatoes for 30 minutes, rotating midpoint to ensure uniform golden crispness and thorough caramelization across each cube.
4. Aromatic Infusion: Simultaneously create a flavor-packed base by sautéing garlic, crushed red pepper, and partial cilantro in olive oil until garlic becomes golden and fragrant, developing a complex spice profile.
5. Final Assembly: Transfer roasted potatoes to serving dish, generously coat with warm spicy garlic herb mixture, incorporating remaining cilantro and additional crushed red pepper for maximum flavor intensity.
6. Serving: Present Batata Harra immediately while piping hot, optional finishing touch includes a vibrant lemon juice squeeze to brighten and elevate the dish’s intricate flavor spectrum.

Notes

• Oven Temperature Matters: Maintain a high 450°F heat to achieve maximum potato crispiness and golden exterior.
• Space Potatoes Strategically: Arrange cubes with room between them on the baking sheet for even roasting and perfect crunch.
• Sauté Garlic Carefully: Watch garlic closely during sautéing to prevent burning, aiming for a golden, fragrant result without bitterness.
• Serve Immediately Hot: Enjoy Batata Harra right after preparation to preserve optimal texture and flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Lebanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg