Batata Harra

As I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the rich, fragrant spices of the Middle East, I can’t help but feel a surge of happiness. The dish I’m preparing, Batata Harra, brings back memories of family gatherings and warm, lively conversations. Nothing quite compares to the aromatic scent of perfectly roasted potatoes, infused with garlic and spices, filling the air. This beloved Lebanese dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a celebration of flavors that never fails to impress my guests. Every bite of these spicy potatoes takes me back to sun-soaked streets bustling with life, and I can’t wait to share this culinary delight with you! It’s a dish that is not only easy to make but also brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients to Make Batata Harra

The ingredients for Batata Harra are simple yet powerful. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture. The key players are the potatoes and the warm spices, which work harmoniously to deliver an authentic Lebanese taste that can transport you to the bustling streets of Lebanon.

• 2 pounds (900g) potatoes – Peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes, they serve as the main ingredient, absorbing the flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil – Essential for roasting, it helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors, bringing out the best in the potatoes.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat to balance the flavors.
• 4 cloves garlic – Minced, this aromatic ingredient infuses the dish with a deliciously pungent flavor.
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes – Adjust to taste; this is where the spice level can be tailored to your liking.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Choose between sweet or smoked for added depth.
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves – About ½ cup loosely packed; it brings a fresh, herbal note.
• ½ lemon – Juiced (about 1 tablespoon), it adds brightness and acidity to the finished dish.

How to Assemble Batata Harra

Creating Batata Harra is an enjoyable process, and I love how the kitchen fills with mouthwatering scents as it comes together. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to ensure that your oven is hot enough to get that beautiful roast on the potatoes.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and makes for an easier cleanup afterwards.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd them as they need space to roast properly.
5. Roast the potatoes for about 40 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides, and keep an eye on them until they’re crisp and tender.
6. If you want to try the frying method, first pat the roasted potatoes dry. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (180°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for about 15 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown.
7. Once fried, drain the potatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Now, let’s make the sauce! In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9. Stir in the paprika and chopped cilantro leaves. This adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
10. Finally, add the roasted potatoes to the skillet, tossing them with tongs until they are well coated in the sauce.
11. Transfer everything to a serving dish, garnish with extra cilantro, and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks about Batata Harra

Here are some tips to ensure your Batata Harra turns out perfect every time:

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked Batata Harra. Just ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a hot oven instead of a microwave to restore that crispiness.
• Pairing: This dish is great alongside grilled meats, fresh salads, or even as part of a mezze platter.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
li>Meal Prep: You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast or fry them!

What to Serve Alongside Batata Harra

When it comes to serving Batata Harra, the options are endless. Here’s how I love to enjoy this flavorful dish:

• Grilled Chicken: The spice and tenderness of grilled chicken complement the crispy potatoes beautifully, making it a perfect pairing for dinner.
• Fresh Salads: A vibrant salad with citrus dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
• Yogurt Dips: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip to balance the heat of the chili flakes.
• Mezze Platter: Incorporate Batata Harra into a mezze platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel for a delightful spread.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy it year-round, but it’s especially delightful during summer barbecues!

FAQ

Conclusion

Batata Harra is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that can elevate any meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings, as it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Batata Harra

The ultimate comfort food, Batata Harra combines crispy roasted potatoes with a burst of spices and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine Lebanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper Towels or wire rack
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds g Potatoes Peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes.
• 2 tablespoons ml Olive oil For roasting.
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons ml Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic Minced.
• ½ teaspoon Red chili flakes Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika Please specify sweet or smoked.
• 1 bunch Fresh cilantro leaves About ½ cup loosely packed.
• ½ Lemon Juiced (about 1 tablespoon).

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to ensure that your oven is hot enough to get that beautiful roast on the potatoes.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the potatoes from sticking and makes for an easier cleanup afterwards.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper until they are evenly coated.
• Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd them as they need space to roast properly.
• Roast the potatoes for about 40 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on all sides, and keep an eye on them until they’re crisp and tender.
• If you want to try the frying method, first pat the roasted potatoes dry. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (180°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for about 15 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown.
• Once fried, drain the potatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Now, let’s make the sauce! In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the paprika and chopped cilantro leaves. This adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Finally, add the roasted potatoes to the skillet, tossing them with tongs until they are well coated in the sauce.
• Transfer everything to a serving dish, garnish with extra cilantro, and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal! For roasting, you want varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds that will get crispy.
• Crunch Factor: For extra crispiness, make sure to turn the potatoes halfway through roasting. This also prevents them from steaming.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of red chili flakes according to your taste preferences. Feel free to swap them for fresh chilis if you prefer.
• Serving Suggestions: Batata Harra pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or even yogurt sauces for dipping!

Keyword Lebanese potatoes, Mediterranean Side Dish, Roasted potatoes, Spicy potato recipe

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Meet Romina Scott

Welcome to my kitchen. I founded Recipes By Romina with a simple goal: to share the fresh, vibrant, and reliable flavors that I love most. I personally develop and approve every single dish on this site to ensure it is not only delicious but also easy for you to recreate at home. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dessert, I hope this recipe inspires you to grab an apron and get cooking!