Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro)
Local name: بطاطا حرة
In short: Golden, crisp potato cubes tossed with garlic, chili, coriander and a big handful of cilantro, finished with lemon, a Lebanese mezze favorite. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 260 kcal
Batata harra, literally spicy potatoes, is one of the most popular plates on a Lebanese mezze table. Cubes of potato are parboiled and fried until crunchy outside and fluffy inside, then tossed with garlic, chili, ground coriander and plenty of fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lemon at the end brings it all together. It disappears fast, so make more than you think you need.
Instructions
- Boil the potato cubes in well-salted water for 5 to 6 minutes, until the edges are just tender but the centers are still firm. Drain and let them steam-dry in the colander for 5 minutes.
- Heat 4 tbsp of the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes in a single layer, working in two batches if needed.
- Fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until deep golden and crisp on all sides. Sprinkle with the 1 tsp salt.
- Push the potatoes to one side, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the cleared space, then the garlic, chili flakes and coriander. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then toss everything together.
- Take the pan off the heat, add the cilantro and lemon juice and toss once more. Serve hot.
Tips
- Dry the parboiled potatoes well so they crisp instead of steaming. For less oil, toss the parboiled cubes with 2 tbsp oil and roast at 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes, then toss them with the garlic, chili and cilantro in a hot pan.
- Add the garlic late so it does not burn and turn bitter. Serve with a garlic sauce such as toum, or a lemony tahini sauce, to cool the heat.
Questions and answers
Is batata harra very spicy?
Moderately. Use 1/2 tsp chili flakes for a mild version and up to 2 tsp for a hot one. Lemon and cilantro balance the heat.
Can I make batata harra ahead of time?
Fry the potatoes ahead and re-crisp them in a hot oven for 8 minutes, then toss with the garlic, cilantro and lemon just before serving.
What potatoes are best for batata harra?
Waxy or all-purpose potatoes hold their shape and give a creamy inside. Very floury potatoes can fall apart when fried.
How long does it take to make Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro)?
About 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro)?
About 260 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 260 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
