Batata Harra – Spicy Lebanese Potatoes Recipe
Batata Harra is a classic Lebanese dish featuring spicy, crispy potatoes tossed in a flavorful cilantro garlic sauce. This recipe offers two cooking methods—air frying or oven roasting—for perfectly cooked, golden potatoes infused with a blend of aromatic spices and fresh herbs. Ideal as a side dish or appetizer, these spicy Lebanese potatoes bring a delightful kick to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes depending on method (Air Frying: 20 minutes, Baking: 25-30 minutes)
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 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
Cilantro Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove all moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Make Spice Paste: In a medium bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in the olive oil to form a thick spice paste.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the dried potatoes to the spice mixture and toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the paste.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer. Coat the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the seasoned potatoes in the basket. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway at 9 minutes for even cooking. Check doneness and air fry an additional 2 minutes if desired. Transfer to a serving dish.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil the surface. Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender, testing doneness with a toothpick. Transfer to a serving dish.
- Prepare Cilantro Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt. Reduce heat to low, add cayenne pepper, and stir briefly. Mix in chopped cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice. Remove from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the cilantro garlic sauce over the cooked potatoes and carefully stir to combine. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are completely dry before coating to maximize crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce for desired spice level.
- The recipe works well with Yukon gold or baby potatoes for the best texture.
- Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking promotes even browning.
- Use fresh cilantro for bright, authentic flavor in the sauce.
Keywords: Batata Harra, Lebanese potatoes, spicy potatoes, air fryer potatoes, roasted potatoes, cilantro sauce, Middle Eastern side dish, vegetarian appetizer
