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Lebanese Spicy Potatoes – Batata Harra Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 63 reviews

Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, or Batata Harra, is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring crispy potatoes tossed in a fragrant blend of spices, garlic, and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, this recipe offers two cooking methods—air frying for a quick and healthful option, or baking for a traditional approach—resulting in golden, spicy potatoes with a zesty cilantro garlic sauce.

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 (for spice mix)

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

  1. Dry the Potatoes: Pat the 2 lbs potatoes dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture. This step ensures crispiness.
  2. Prepare Spice Paste: In a medium bowl, combine 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 form a spice paste.
  3. Coat Potatoes: Add the dried potatoes to the spice paste and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the mixture.
  4. Cooking Method Selection: Choose between air frying or oven baking to cook the potatoes.
  5. Air Fryer Basket Preparation: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil using a paper towel or oil sprayer to prevent sticking. Avoid aerosol sprays to protect the basket coating.
  6. Air Fry Potatoes: Place the coated potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 18 minutes.
  7. Shake at Midpoint: At the 9-minute mark, open the basket and shake it well to ensure even cooking. Close and continue air frying.
  8. Final Crisping: After 18 minutes, check potatoes for doneness. Toss them again and air fry for an additional 2 minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
  9. Oven Preparation: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil the foil.
  10. Oven Bake Potatoes: Spread the coated potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick.
  11. Prepare Cilantro Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp minced garlic and sauté gently, avoiding burning.
  12. Add Spices and Cilantro: Reduce heat to low. Stir in ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, then add ½ cup chopped cilantro, ½ tsp paprika, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Mix well and remove from heat.
  13. Toss Potatoes with Sauce: Transfer the cooked potatoes to a serving dish. Pour the cilantro garlic sauce over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
  14. Serve: Serve immediately as a spicy, aromatic side dish or appetizer.

Notes

  • Drying the potatoes before coating is crucial for crisp texture.
  • You can use baby potatoes whole or cut into cubes depending on preference.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to control heat level.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, oven baking delivers excellent results.
  • Make sure garlic is sautéed gently to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
  • Fresh cilantro is key to the authentic flavor profile.

Keywords: Lebanese spicy potatoes, Batata Harra, air fryer potatoes, spicy potato recipe, Lebanese side dish, cilantro garlic sauce, healthy spicy potatoes, vegetarian potatoes

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/lebanese-spicy-potatoes-batata-harra-recipe/