Name: Batata Harra – Spicy Lebanese Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491783H43M11S
Total time: PT-491783H43M11S
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 lbs potatoes (1 kg), preferably Yukon gold, cut into 1-inch cubes or baby potatoes; ¾ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon lemon juice or to taste

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Introduction

Batata Harra is a flavorful Lebanese dish featuring spicy, crispy potatoes tossed in a zesty cilantro garlic sauce. Perfect as a side or appetizer, it’s simple to make and packed with bold aromas and spices that will delight your taste buds.

A deep white bowl is filled with golden-brown roasted potato pieces, each cut into small chunks with crispy edges and soft inside. The potato pieces are coated with small green herb bits, likely parsley or cilantro, scattered evenly over the surface. The potatoes have a shiny, slightly oily texture from roasting, with some darker caramelized spots for added crispiness. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm tones of the potatoes. 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 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cilantro sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup cilantro, chopped
½ teaspoon paprika (for cilantro sauce)
1 teaspoon lemon juice, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove all moisture. This helps achieve crispiness.
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, then toss the potatoes in the mixture until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fryer method: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 9 minutes. Check for doneness after 18 minutes and air fry an additional 2 minutes if needed.
Step 4: Oven method: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with oil. Spread the potatoes evenly on the sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and tender when pierced with a toothpick.
Step 5: While the potatoes cook, prepare the cilantro sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until fragrant but not browned. Lower the heat and stir in cayenne pepper briefly.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice to combine.
Step 7: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a serving dish and pour the cilantro garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy interior and crispy exterior, or swap in red or baby potatoes as preferred.
For extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper or serve with a side of harissa sauce.
If you don’t have an air fryer, roasting in the oven gives excellent results with a nice golden crust.
Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish—adjust to your taste for the perfect balance of acidity.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with golden-brown roasted potato pieces, each cut into medium-sized chunks. The potatoes have a crispy outer texture with some darker caramelized edges and are mixed with small pieces of green herbs scattered evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, elegant feel to the scene. The warm colors of the potatoes contrast nicely with the green herbs, making the dish look fresh and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for Batata Harra?

It’s best to use fresh potatoes because frozen ones tend to release extra moisture, which can prevent crispiness. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning.

Is this dish very spicy?

Batata Harra has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less according to your preference.