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    Home » Appetizers

    November 5, 2020

    Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)

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    Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra) in Arabic, is a spicy potato dish that is quick to prepare. It’s usually prepared as a warm appetizer or what is called “meza” in Arabic.

    Of course, you can prepare it as a side dish with other fried/air fried or baked veggies like cauliflower and eggplant. Add a side of tabbouli and hummus to that, YUMMM, but I digress.

    In this recipe, the potatoes are fried or roasted before being tossed in a sauce made of olive oil, garlic, paprika, red chili flakes, cilantro, and fresh lemon juice. The end result is a scrumptious potato dish that everyone should try!


    Simple, Versatile, and Delicious!

    cubed potatoes and cilantro with spices
    What a combo: chili flakes, cilantro, garlic, and potatoes!

    This Batata Harra recipe turns traditional roasted potatoes into a flavorful and delectable side dish! The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients to make these deliciously spicy potatoes.

    If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, you must try this recipe!


    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • A new way to enjoy potatoes
    • Gluten-free and vegan
    • A healthy choice because the potatoes are baked or air friend and not deep fried
    • Versatile and goes with so many dishes

    A Wonderful Appetizer

    These quick Middle Eastern recipe packs tons of flavor from garlic, fresh cilantro, and a unique mix of warm spices. A splash of lime juice adds a little extra brightness to the dish.
    Melt in your mouth potatoes tossed in garlic, cilantro and chili flakes

    Air Fried Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)

    This is a cleaner version of this dish since traditionally the potatoes are deep fried. For this recipe, you can air fry for 30 min on 450, toss once or twice in between.

    Once finished add in all the ingredients in the recipe card minus the olive oil (or use a drizzle of it) or use cooking oil spray instead.


    Here are some advantages of using the air-fryer:

    You can save on oil since it only requires a tablespoon or less of oil.

    It cooks by hot-air circulation so no deep frying in fatty oils.

    You can cut fat content almost up to 75%.

    Studies show that air-fried foods have similar texture and moisture content as deep-fried foods.

    It aids in weight loss prevention.

    It decreases the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide.

    The cleanup is also much faster than deep frying.


    Possible Benefits of Cilantro

    Cilantro has many possible health benefits. It may reduce Inflammation and the risk factors for heart disease. It may also lower blood sugar levels and help fight infections.


    Crisp, Spicy, and Fresh!

    A simple dish of Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra) using potato chunks, chili pepper, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice. This wonderful appetizer is dairy-free, Gluten-free, and Vegan.
    This spicy potato dish is a hit in my home and it will be in yours too!

    How to Adjust the Heat Level in this Recipe

    In this recipe, I use paprika and cayenne pepper. Paprika cools the dish without sacrificing flavor.

    You can adjust the spice level to your liking – if you are sensitive to spicy food, I recommend using Aleppo pepper and substituting chili powder for the red pepper flakes.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you serve Batata Harra hot or cold?

    Some people prefer to eat this recipe warm, while others prefer it cold, straight from the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated or served cold. Cold potatoes do not appeal to me. I love this dish when it’s warm.

    Which potatoes are the best to use?

    Golden or Yukon gold potatoes are best. They’re fairly waxy, so they keep their shape.. If you can’t find Yukon gold, Russet is a good choice too.

    Can I make Batata Harra ahead of time?

    I don’t recommend making Batata Harra ahead of time. They’re delicious when fresh, just like French fries, but they get soggy and lose flavor if you prepare them ahead of time.
    Still, if you want to make them in advance, you can boil the potatoes and then fry and season them right before serving.

    Are Cilantro and Coriander the same?

    Both cilantro and coriander come from the Coriandrum sativum plant. In the United States, cilantro refers to the plant’s leaves and stem, whereas coriander refers to the dried seeds. Internationally, the leaves and stems are called coriander, whereas its dried seeds are called coriander seeds.

    Can I make the Batata Harra with dried cilantro?

    It is best to use fresh cilantro leaves because the freshness adds a lot to the flavor. However, if you don’t have fresh cilantro, dried cilantro can be used in its place.


    Crispy Outside, Tender Inside

    O skillet Middle eastern Potato (Batata Harra) served with some cilantro on top. A perfect side or main dish for dinner.
    You will love these Middle eastern Skillet Potatoes.

    Tips for Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes

    Use Yukon or Russet potatoes because they keep their shape better.

    Soak the potato cubes for at least 15 minutes in cold water. After draining the potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels.

    Toss the potatoes in a small amount of neutral oil (vegetable, avocado..etc).

    Shake the air fryer every 5-6 minutes so that the potatoes remain crispy.


    Ingredients for Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)

    Potatoes: I use fairly large yellow potatoes, but you can also use Russet, Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, Red potatoes, and other varieties.


    Cilantro: Whenever possible, use fresh cilantro. However, a few readers have tried it with dried, ground coriander and enjoyed it.


    Garlic: Use finely chopped fresh garlic.


    Lemon: Use fresh lemons


    Crushed Red Pepper: Feel free to use a chili that has a level of heat that you are comfortable with.


    Extra Virgin Olive Oil: EVOO is the best choice for this recipe. If necessary, you can substitute another neutral high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil


    Save It, Pin It, and Share It!

    Potato cubes tossed in olive oil and garlic and sprinkled with some fresh cilantro make the perfect dish for all times.
    A special dish that every one will like!

    How To Make Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)


    Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel the potatoes then cube them into ½ inch cubes. Prepare baking sheet with cooking oil spray then place the cubed potatoes and bake for about 45-50 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

    10 min before the potatoes are finished, add in the chopped cilantro, garlic then place back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes.

    Remove from the oven then finish off by drizzling olive oil, salt, paprika, lemon (add more if needed). Combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. Enjoy alone or with pita bread

    This dish is best warm but can be eaten cold, too. Add some extra lemon juice on your plate for a more zesty kick!


    Recipes you may want to try:

    • MEAT POTATO ONION EGG SKILLET
    • KIBBEH BIL SANIEH (BAKED KIBBEH)
    • CRISPY CRUNCHY AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER
    • BRAISED GREEN BEANS- LOUBIEH BZEIT
    • PERFECT WHITE VERMICELLI RICE
    • CHICKEN FETTUCINE ALFREDO
    • DURUM WHEAT CHICKEN SOUP- FRIKEH
    • QUICK SPICY BEEF (SUJUK) PIZZA
    • LEBANESE MAAMOUL COOKIES
    • BEEF SHAWARMA EGG ROLLS – AIR FRIED
    • MEAT PIES – LAHME BI AJEEN
    • LOADED LABNE TOAST
    • CRISPY CRUNCHY AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER
    • QUICK SKIN-PEEL ROASTED EGGPLANT HACK

    cubed potatoes and cilantro with spices

    Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)

    Lama
    This Mediterranean side dish is spectacular and is a must have on a spread.  It makes a great dish for brunch and enjoyed by my vegan friends!  We call this dish “batata hara”. It is very easy to make and my go to for a quick side when I’m pressed on time. ⁣
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Comment Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine Middle Eastern

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 large potatoes
    • ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
    • 5-7 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ bunch cilantro coarsely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • crushed red pepper desired amount, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel the potatoes then cube them into ½ inch cubes.
    • Prepare baking sheet with cooking oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the cubed potatoes and drizzle the rest of the olive oil and mix them in until coated.
    • Bake for about 45-50 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
    • Remove the potatoes from the oven 10 min before they are finished. Mix in the chopped cilantro and garlic then place back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and add salt, paprika, lemon (add more if needed). Combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. Enjoy alone or with pita bread.

    Video

    Notes

    ⁣AIR FRY SPICY POTATOES (BATATA HARRA):  Air fry the peeled and cubed potatoes for 30 minutes flipping once or twice, until golden brown.
    In a large skillet add olive oil on high heat then add the air fried potatoes, garlic, paprika, cilantro, and crushed red pepper. Mix on high heat for a whole minutes.  Turn heat off.
    Mix in the lemon and enjoy just like that or with pita bread
     

    Tips for Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes

    Use Yukon or Russet potatoes because they keep their shape better.
    Soak the potato cubes for at least 15 minutes in cold water. After draining the potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels.
    Toss the potatoes in a small amount of neutral oil (vegetable, avocado..etc).
    Shake the air fryer every 5-6 minutes so that the potatoes remain crispy.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leah says

      January 05, 2021 at 4:36 am

      Yum! Everything about this recipe sounds wonderful. I love to use my air fryer, not only for the healthier aspect, but it’s so fast!! I’m pinning this recipe so I remember to try it out soon. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Lama says

        January 12, 2021 at 2:22 am

        Thank you so much for you wonderful feedback!! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Rola says

      August 13, 2021 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      Such a flavorful lebanese dish! I’m used to frying them but I tried baking them and they came out so crispy!

      Reply
    3. Zeina says

      August 13, 2021 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      This AIR FRIED SPICY POTATO AND CILANTRO is sooo flavorful. I’ve done it before but always fried the potatoes. I used the air fryer today and they were sooo crispy. Thanks a bunch.

      Reply
      • Lilly says

        August 24, 2021 at 8:17 pm

        5 stars
        Great recipe and very nice shots. I Feel like grabbing a few of those potato cubes now.

        Reply
    4. Christina says

      October 07, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent! I followed the recipe as is! The potatoes were spicy, garlicky, and crispy. Will add this recipe to our dinner rotation! Thank u

      Reply
    5. Diana says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Can these be airfried? What temperature and how long?

      Reply
      • Lama says

        January 28, 2022 at 2:16 pm

        Hi Diana, yes you can air fry the potatoes. I have included details in the blog for the air frying option 🙂 30 min on 450, toss once or twice in between. Once finished add in all the ingredients in the recipe card minus the olive oil (or use a drizzle of it) or use cooking oil spray instead.

        Reply
    6. Lora De says

      February 02, 2022 at 10:00 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite potato recipes! I love it extra spicy

      Reply
      • Lama says

        February 08, 2022 at 1:37 am

        Me too!! Yum!

        Reply
    7. Claudia says

      February 12, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      Made this recipe exactly as you mentioned but added some extra chili flakes. It came out perfect

      Reply
    8. NOUR G says

      February 17, 2022 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite Lebanese dishes. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe

      Reply
    9. Lucy says

      May 23, 2022 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      This was sooo delicious. It even works as a main dish. Love it

      Reply
      • Lama says

        May 24, 2022 at 3:12 am

        Totally agree! 😋 Thank you for the review!

        Reply
    10. Amal says

      July 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      This was our dinner for today with some lentil soup and fattoush. Sooo yummy

      Reply

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    I'm Lama, welcome to my blog where you will find simple and diverse recipes your entire family will enjoy. My passion for cooking began after I got married when I challenged myself to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. With the help of my mom over the phone, I was so proud it turned out successful! Today, I share my passion across many social platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest! I am honored to connect with you through the recipes I prepare! about me!

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