Description
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, known as Batata Harra, is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring crispy roasted potatoes tossed with a garlicky, spicy cilantro mixture. Perfect as part of a mezze platter or alongside grilled meats, this vibrant dish delivers a delightful combination of heat, freshness, and zest.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 8 medium gold potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
Garlic Spicy Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, divided
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, divided
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare potatoes: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the potato cubes evenly in a single layer on the pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast the potatoes: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Prepare the garlic chili oil: While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, and half of the chopped cilantro. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes until the garlic turns golden, then remove from heat.
- Toss potatoes with garlic mixture: Once the potatoes are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic chili oil over the potatoes and toss gently to combine. Add the remaining crushed red pepper and chopped cilantro and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Batata Harra hot or warm, accompanied by lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for an added fresh zing if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper to increase or decrease the spice level based on your preference.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, let the garlic simmer a bit longer but be careful not to burn it.
- These potatoes work wonderfully as a side dish to grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
- Using gold potatoes helps achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
