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Batata Harra Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

Batata Harra is a vibrant and spicy Middle Eastern roasted potato dish, flavored with garlic, chili, cilantro, and lemon juice. This recipe combines perfectly crispy roasted potatoes with a fragrant and mildly spicy sautéed chili-garlic sauce, making it a flavorful side dish that complements a variety of meals.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)

Seasonings and Oil

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Spices and Herbs

  • 4 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 red chili peppers (deseeded and finely chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1½ cups cilantro/coriander (minced, divided)

Other

  • 1 lemon (juiced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper, then toss well to ensure all potato cubes are evenly coated.
  3. Roast Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  4. Saute Aromatics: While the potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic, diced red chili peppers, chili powder, and 1 cup of the minced cilantro. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release their flavors and aromas, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Combine and Toss: Once the potatoes are roasted and crispy, add them directly to the sauté pan with the chili-garlic mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly with the aromatic sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the tossed potatoes to a serving dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, tangy finish, then garnish with the remaining ½ cup of fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can parboil the potatoes before roasting to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
  • Adjust the amount of chili peppers and chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats, rice, or as part of a mezze platter.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.