Batata Harra (Lebanese Potatoes)

Learn How to Make Batata Harra - the Perfect Spicy Lebanese Potatoes Dish

Batata Harra is a mouth-wateringly spicy and crispy Lebanese potato dish that can be whipped up in no time using just a few simple ingredients.

It is a staple in Lebanese cuisine that combines potatoes with garlic, EVOO, chili flakes, cilantro (coriander), and lemon to create a flavor explosion.

Jump to:

• What is Batata Harra?
• Why This Recipe Works?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• 3 Different Ways to Prepare Batata Harra
• How to Make Spicy Lebanese Potatoes?
• Top Tips From the Chef
• What to Serve with Batata Harra?
• Recipe Variations
• Storage and Reheating
• Recipe FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Batata Harra (Lebanese Potatoes)

This Mediterranean skillet potato dish is perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or a part of a mezze spread.

Potatoes are incredibly versatile and you can enjoy them in countless delicious ways.

From Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potatoes) to Potato Boulangere and Potato Borek, there's no shortage of potato dishes to choose from around the world.

This recipe for skillet potatoes is no exception. It's another example of how potatoes can be transformed into a scrumptious dish.

With the addition of red pepper flakes, these Lebanese spicy potatoes pack a punch that is sure to impress.

What is Batata Harra?

Batata Harra is a classic Lebanese dish consisting of crispy and spicy potatoes, garlic, EVOO, cilantro, chili flakes, and lemon.

It is typically served as a side dish, mezze, or appetizer, and it pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired meals.

With its bold and savory flavors, Batata Harra reflects the rich and diverse cuisine of Lebanon.

Batata Harra literally translates to "spicy potatoes." It originates in the Bekaa Valley, a fertile region in Lebanon known for its delicious produce.

This dish has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for generations and is now popular worldwide.

Why This Recipe Works?

• Batata Harra is an explosion of flavor in your mouth, with the perfect balance of heat and tanginess. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.

• Aside from its delicious taste, Batata Harra is also easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

• You can serve this versatile dish as a side or a main course and pairs well with a variety of drinks and other Lebanese dishes.

• Batata Harra has several health benefits, thanks to its nutritious ingredients. It's a guilt-free dish that you can enjoy without worrying about your waistline.

• This healthy skillet potato dish is also vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Potatoes - Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, Charlotte, Anya, or red potatoes work best for this dish, as they hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture that pairs well with the spicy seasoning.

• Olive oil - Olive oil is a key ingredient in Batata Harra as it helps achieve the dish's characteristic crispy texture and rich flavor. I use three tablespoons of good-quality EVOO to roast the potatoes and prepare the spiced herb sauce.

• Red pepper paste - Red pepper paste, also known as "Biber Salcasi" in Turkish is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and is a great addition to the spiced herb sauce. You can buy it from Turkish or Middle Eastern shops or online from Amazon.

• Garlic - Fresh garlic is a great flavoring that adds sweetness and nuttiness to Batata Harra. You can adjust the amount to your taste. Grate it using a microplane or turn it into a paste with a mortar and pestle.

• Cilantro /coriander - The leaves and stalks of fresh cilantro/coriander add a refreshing element that pairs well with the spiciness of the dish.

3 Different Ways to Prepare Batata Harra

Batata Harra is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Here are three different methods for making this Lebanese spicy potato dish:

Oven-baked

This method involves cutting the potatoes into small cubes, tossing them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and then roasting them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown.

Once the potatoes are done, they are topped with a flavorful spiced herb sauce made from EVOO, garlic, cilantro, chilies, lemon juice, and red pepper paste.

This is the method I prefer the most, along with the air frying method.

Air-fried

In this version, the cubed and seasoned potatoes are air-fried until they are crispy and tender.

The spiced herb sauce is then added to the potatoes and mixed until well-coated.

This method is perfect if you want a healthier version of Batata Harra that still has that delicious crispy texture.

Deep-fried

This is the traditional way of making this delicious skillet potato dish.

It involves deep-frying the potatoes until they are crispy and golden brown and then mixing them with the spicy herb sauce.

While this method is the least healthy of the three, it results in the crispiest and most indulgent version of Batata Harra.

How to Make Spicy Lebanese Potatoes?

Making Batata Harra is very easy with a few simple ingredients.

However, you need to follow a few simple steps to achieve the best results:

Preheat your oven to 200 ℃ (390 ℉).

Peel, wash and cube the potatoes into 2 cm (¾ ") pieces.

Place them on a baking sheet lined tray, without overlapping each other.

Drizzle the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.

Then, roast the potatoes in the oven until they are golden brown, crispy, and fork-tender.

This should take about 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Prepare the sauce while the potatoes are roasting. Finely chop the garlic and place a pan over low heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan along with the chopped garlic.

Gently sauté the garlic over low heat, without burning it.

Stir in the red pepper paste, chili flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Finally, add the chopped cilantro/coriander to the pan and remove it from the heat.

Once the potatoes are cooked, toss them in the garlic and cilantro mixture before serving them with your favorite meal.

Top off the dish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional cilantro/coriander leaves for added flavor and freshness.

Top Tips From the Chef

• Use waxy potatoes like Yukon golds or red potatoes, as they hold their shape better than starchy potatoes like russets.

• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when cooking the potatoes, as this can lead to steaming and a less crispy texture.

• Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

• Use fresh cilantro/coriander leaves and stems for the best flavor and freshness.

What to Serve with Batata Harra?

You can serve Batata Harra as a standalone appetizer or side dish, but it also pairs well with other Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes.

Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Lebanese Spicy Potatoes:

• Mediterranean Hummus Dip - This classic Lebanese dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory flavors of Batata Harra.

• Mutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip) - Another popular Lebanese dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, yogurt, and lemon juice, Moutabal is a great complement to the bold flavors of Batata Harra.

• Lebanese Falafel - These crispy fried balls made from ground chickpeas are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and make a delicious addition to any meal featuring Batata Harra.

• Grilled meats - Batata Harra can also be served as a side dish to grilled meats like Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, Adana Kebab (Adana Kofte), Air Fryer Meatloaf, Chicken Meatballs, Harissa Chicken, Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, or Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte.

• Taboule (Lebanese Tabouli Salad) - This refreshing salad made from parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat is a staple of Lebanese cuisine and pairs well with the spicy flavors of Batata Harra.

Recipe Variations

Like most dishes, Batata Harra has evolved over time, and there are now several variations of this classic dish.

You can omit the red pepper paste, or substitute it with tomato paste.

Some people add onion or green peppers to the mix to add more flavor and texture.

Others use different spices such as cumin, paprika, or sumac to give it a unique twist.

Some regions in Lebanon also have their own version of Batata Harra.

For example, in Tripoli, a city in northern Lebanon, they add pomegranate molasses to the dish, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor.

In the coastal city of Tyre, they use fresh mint instead of cilantro, giving the dish a refreshing twist.

Storage and Reheating

Batata Harra is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the potatoes are still hot and crispy.

However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, simply place the potatoes in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy again.

Or try having them for breakfast by adding a couple of eggs. You'll have a delicious breakfast of spicy potatoes and eggs!

I don't recommend freezing Batata Harra as the texture will likely be compromised upon thawing.

Recipe FAQs

Related Recipes

For more delicious potato side dish recipes why not try:

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making these deliciously spicy Lebanese Potatoes - Batata Harra as much as you enjoy eating them! 🙂 

Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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