Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra Recipe
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, also known as Batata Harra, is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring crispy, seasoned potatoes tossed in a zesty cilantro-garlic sauce with a kick of cayenne pepper. Perfect as a side or appetizer, these potatoes are cooked to golden perfection using either an air fryer or oven for a crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes (air fryer) or 25-30 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 28 minutes (air fryer) or 40 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Spice Mix
- 2 lbs (1 kg) Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes or baby potatoes
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice (or to taste)
Instructions
- Dry the Potatoes: Pat the 2 lbs potatoes dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy potatoes.
- Prepare the Spice Paste: In a medium bowl, mix together ¾ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper powder, and ½ tsp paprika. Stir in 2 Tbsp olive oil to create a spice paste.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the spice paste and toss well to ensure every cube is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Air Fryer Setup: Lightly oil the air fryer basket using a paper towel soaked with oil or an oil sprayer (avoid aerosol sprays to protect the basket coating).
- Air Fry Potatoes: Spread the potatoes evenly in the basket. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 9 minutes to toss the potatoes and cook them evenly.
- Check for Doneness: After 18 minutes, check if potatoes are cooked to your liking. If needed, toss again and air fry for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispness.
- Oven Alternative: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and oil it lightly. Arrange potatoes in a single layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and tender when pierced with a toothpick.
- Prepare Cilantro Sauce: In a small saucepan, sauté 1 tsp minced garlic in 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Lower the heat, add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, and stir briefly.
- Add Herbs and Lemon: Stir in ½ cup chopped cilantro, ½ tsp paprika, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Mix well and remove the sauce from heat.
- Toss and Serve: Transfer cooked potatoes to a serving dish, pour the cilantro-garlic sauce over, and toss well to combine. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Patting potatoes dry is essential to achieve crispy texture.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamy interior and crispy edges.
- For a milder spice level, reduce cayenne pepper in the cilantro sauce.
- You can substitute fresh baby potatoes to avoid cutting.
- Air frying yields quicker and crisper results, but oven baking is an excellent alternative.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired tanginess.
Keywords: Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, Batata Harra, Air Fryer Potatoes, Spicy Potatoes, Cilantro Garlic Sauce, Middle Eastern Side Dish
