Batata Harra: Lebanese Spicy Potato Recipe

Get
FREE
Recipes!

Get My Favorite Recipe

Sizzle up your day with Batata Harra – where crispy meets spicy in a Middle Eastern flavor explosion. Get ready to dive into potato perfection!

Batata Harra instantly takes me back to Dad’s kitchen on Thursday afternoons—a dish he mastered, always paired with his famous Shukshara. Golden potatoes, irresistibly crispy, come alive with a sauce of garlic, onion, and coriander. My twist? A fiery kick of jalapeño and chili flakes for extra warmth. Each bite carries the charm of Middle Eastern kitchens, where every family adds their unique spin.

This versatile dish transforms across regions—some pan-fry, others roast. I love oven-roasting for its rich, golden crispiness and intensified flavors as the spices meld perfectly. Today, we’ll create a Batata Harra that’s more than a recipe—a celebration of flavor. Let’s dive into the magic of roasted potatoes and aromatic spices!

What is batata Harra ? 

Let’s break down the name ‘Batata Harra’ as if we’re chatting over coffee. ‘Batata’ – that’s Arabic for ‘potato.’ So, we’re talking about those lovely golden spuds. Now, ‘Harra’ in Arabic? That’s the fun part. It means ‘spicy’ or ‘hot.’ Imagine these potatoes getting all spiced up, thanks to garlic, chili, and a bit of jalapeño. So, ‘Batata Harra’ – it’s like saying ‘spicy potatoes.’ Simple, right? But oh, the flavors in those words when they come together in this Middle Eastern dish – it’s a tasty journey you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients for Batata Harra

  • Potatoes: 2 lbs of medium-sized potatoes, about six peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Sweet Onion: Finely chopped for a sweet and savory flavor.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): A few tablespoons to sauté the potatoes, spices, and herbs, adding richness.
  • Jalapeño: For a special kick, finely chopped to elevate the heat.
  • Garlic: Some are for sautéing with onion and are additional for the sauce, ensuring a robust garlicky essence.
  • Spices: A blend of ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground paprika, providing the perfect balance of warmth and heat.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice to add a zesty brightness to this skillet potato dish.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness. You can also use flat-leaf parsley or dill, depending on your preference.

Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients, and let’s embark on the journey of creating delicious Batata Harra!

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to Batata Harra, the type of potatoes you choose can make a difference in texture and flavor. While golden potatoes are my first choice, I like them for their creamy texture and slightly sweet taste; there are other options to consider based on personal preference:

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: Similar to golden potatoes, Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor, making them a great alternative.
  • Red Potatoes: These potatoes have a thin skin and a waxy texture, which can add a nice bite to your Batata Harra. Keep the skin on for added color and nutrition.
  • Fingerling Potatoes: These small, elongated potatoes can bring a unique shape to the dish. They have a firm texture, and their thin skins crisp up beautifully when roasted.

What to Avoid:

  • Russet Potatoes: While Russet potatoes are excellent for certain dishes, their high starch content can result in a mealy texture, which may not be ideal for Batata Harra.
  • Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes might not complement the savory and spicy elements of Batata Harra and the varieties mentioned above.

Remember, the key is to choose potatoes with a waxy or creamy texture to achieve the desired crispiness on the outside while maintaining a soft interior. Feel free to experiment with different types to discover your favorite Batata Harra variation!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Batata Harra

  • Serve Immediately for Crispiness: Batata Harra is best when served straight from the oven. The potatoes boast a delightful crispiness that diminishes over time. Aim to serve it immediately for the ultimate experience.
  • Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, reheat Batata Harra in the oven for a few minutes to revive the crisp texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it may result in a softer consistency.
  • Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the quantity of chili flakes and jalapeño to suit your spice preference. Start with a bit and add more as needed. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of warmth.
  • Fresh Herbs for Vibrancy: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, flat-leaf parsley, or dill before serving. They enhance the visual appeal and infuse a burst of freshness.
  • Serve with a Side: Batata Harra pairs wonderfully with tangy yogurt or a refreshing Arabic salad to balance the spiciness.
  • Get Creative with Garnishes: Elevate the presentation with additional garnishes, like a drizzle of tahini sauce or toasted pine nuts. Let your creativity shine.

Perfect Pairings for Batata Harra:

Incorporate Batata Harra into a vibrant mezza table, surrounded by classics like creamy hummus, refreshing tabbouleh, and crispy falafel. Consider serving it as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or succulent kofta for heartier options. Complete the feast with a cooling yogurt cucumber salad, a zesty fattoush, or a nutritious lentil spinach salad. Batata Harra effortlessly adapts, making every bite a celebration of Middle Eastern flavors.

How to Make Batata Harra: Lebanese Spicy Potato Recipe

Preparation

1.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After cutting the golden potatoes into cubes, wash them thoroughly and dry them completely to ensure crispiness.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the dried potato cubes evenly across it. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss them until they are well-coated. Arrange them in a single layer to allow even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the tray and flip the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy but not overly browned.
Mark as complete
2.
While the potatoes are baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another two minutes.
Stir in the ground coriander, paprika, a dash of salt, chili flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional two minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finally, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and turn off the heat.
Mark as complete
3.
Once the potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the prepared sauce.
Toss the potatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture, taking care not to break them apart.
Mark as complete
4.
Serve the Batata Harra hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy this delightful dish immediately for the best taste and texture!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 lbs golden potatoes peeled washed and , cut into cubes
3-5 tablespoons Olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced (split for potatoes and sauce)
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, minced
1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 lemon Zest and juice
Salt, to taste
1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped

Preparation

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After cutting the golden potatoes into cubes, wash them thoroughly and dry them completely to ensure crispiness. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the dried potato cubes evenly across it. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss them until they are well-coated. Arrange them in a single layer to allow even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the tray and flip the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy but not overly browned.
2
While the potatoes are baking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another two minutes. Stir in the ground coriander, paprika, a dash of salt, chili flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine. Let the mixture cook for an additional two minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and turn off the heat.
3
Once the potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet with the prepared sauce. Toss the potatoes gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture, taking care not to break them apart.
4
Serve the Batata Harra hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy this delightful dish immediately for the best taste and texture!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

Never Miss a Recipe

Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!

    You will not receive any spam

    I would love to hear your experience!

    Have you tried this recipe? Did you make any adjustments? Let me know; I’d love to hear from you.



    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *