Name: Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492000H37M4S
Total time: PT-492000H37M4S
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes (1 kg), preferably Yukon gold, cut into 1-inch cubes or baby potatoes; ¾ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper powder; ½ tsp paprika; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic, minced; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp lemon juice (or to taste)

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Introduction

Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, known as Batata Harra, are a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring crispy potatoes tossed in a zesty garlic and cilantro sauce. This recipe brings together simple spices and fresh herbs to create a delicious snack or accompaniment to any meal.

The image shows a white speckled bowl filled with golden-brown roasted potato pieces that are cut into medium-sized chunks. The potatoes are mixed with finely chopped green herbs, giving a fresh touch to the warm colors. The bowl is placed on a light beige cloth on top of a white marbled surface. To the right side, there is a small white cup filled with red chili flakes, with some flakes scattered on the surface nearby. In the background, part of a lemon cut in half and a green herb mixture in a white bowl can be seen slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs potatoes (1 kg), preferably Yukon gold, cut into 1-inch cubes or baby potatoes
¾ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper powder
½ tsp paprika
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp garlic, minced
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to ensure they are completely dry.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil to form a spice paste.
Step 3: Add the potatoes to the spice paste and toss well to coat them evenly on all sides.
Step 4: For air frying, coat the air fryer basket with oil using a paper towel or oil sprayer. Avoid aerosol sprays to protect the basket coating.
Step 5: Place the coated potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 9 minutes to cook evenly.
Step 6: Check if the potatoes are cooked to your liking; if not, toss and air fry for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer cooked potatoes to a serving dish.
Step 7: For oven roasting, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with oil.
Step 8: Spread potatoes in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Step 9: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish once cooked.
Step 10: For the cilantro sauce, gently sauté minced garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat until fragrant but not burnt.
Step 11: Lower the heat and stir in cayenne pepper, cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice. Combine well and remove from heat.
Step 12: Pour the cilantro garlic sauce over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately as a side or appetizer.

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy interior and crispy edges. Sweet potatoes can be a tasty alternative, though they have a different texture.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level based on your preference.
Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but parsley can be used if cilantro is unavailable.
For extra crispiness, soak the potato cubes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness rather than microwaving, which may make the potatoes soggy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with golden-brown roasted potato pieces, each piece showing a crispy, slightly charred texture with a soft inside. The potatoes are cut into chunky, irregular round and oval shapes, coated with green herbs scattered evenly across the surface. The bowl is set on a white marbled texture, enhancing the warm colors of the potatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the potatoes instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes at 425°F on a foil-lined and oiled baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and golden, turning once halfway through.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the cilantro sauce to suit your taste.