Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra Recipe
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, known as Batata Harra, are deliciously crispy and flavorful air-fried or oven-baked potatoes tossed in a fragrant blend of spices and a vibrant cilantro garlic sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and freshness, making it an ideal side or appetizer for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) or 30 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 30 minutes (air fryer) or 40 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Spice Mix
- 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
Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Dry the Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving crispiness during cooking.
- Prepare the Spice Paste: In a medium bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil and stir to form a spice paste.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the spice mix and toss well, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spice paste.
- Air Fryer Preparation: Lightly oil the air fryer basket using a paper towel soaked in oil or an oil sprayer. Avoid aerosol sprays as they can damage the basket’s coating.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Spread the potatoes evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, shaking the basket at the 9-minute mark to toss the potatoes for even cooking.
- Finish Air Frying: When the timer ends, check for desired crispness. Optionally, toss and air fry for an additional 2 minutes if you want extra crispiness.
- Oven Preparation (Alternative Method): Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil it.
- Bake the Potatoes: Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender, testing doneness with a toothpick.
- Make Cilantro Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté garlic in 2 Tbsp olive oil, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Lower heat, add cayenne pepper, then stir in cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and mix well.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a serving dish. Pour the cilantro garlic sauce over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Drying the potatoes thoroughly before cooking ensures they get crispy.
- You can use either an air fryer or a conventional oven based on your preference.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the cilantro sauce if you prefer less heat.
- Yukon gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but baby potatoes can also be used.
- Serve Batata Harra fresh to enjoy the contrast between crispy potatoes and fresh cilantro sauce.
Keywords: Batata Harra, Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, Air Fried Potatoes, Middle Eastern Potatoes, Cilantro Garlic Sauce, Spicy Potatoes
