Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)

Name: Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, cubed 3/4 inch; 1/4 cup olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Lebanese crispy fried potatoes tossed in a bold sauce of garlic, red chili, cilantro, and lemon juice. A popular mezze side that is fiery, herby, and utterly addictive.

40 minEasyServes 4285 cal/serving

Middle EasternSideStovetopVeganMediterraneanHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, cubed 3/4 inch
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Pat 2 lbs cubed 3/4 inch Yukon Gold or russet potatoes very dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2

Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add potatoes in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, about 18-20 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
3

Push potatoes to the edges of the pan. Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the center and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4

Toss everything together. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and most of the 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
5

Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with remaining fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

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Questions

What is Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)?

Lebanese crispy fried potatoes tossed in a bold sauce of garlic, red chili, cilantro, and lemon juice. A popular mezze side that is fiery, herby, and utterly addictive. This reference files it under Middle Eastern side: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

How long does Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes) take?

As written, 40 minutes: 15 of prep and 25 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (20 minutes): "Add potatoes in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides, about 18-20 minutes."

What should Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes) look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until golden and crispy on all sides.

Why pat it dry first in Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)?

Step 1 reads: "Pat 2 lbs cubed 3/4 inch Yukon Gold or russet potatoes very dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 1 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

Is there a substitute for cilantro in Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)?

The entry for Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes) calls for 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. In its place: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime, for anyone who tastes soap. The dish loses its signature note but stays fresh.

Is Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes) spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes) comes from 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the chili flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

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