Up your potato game with this delicious Batata Harra Recipe! These spicy Lebanese Potatoes are perfectly crispy, coated in spicy oil, and packed with flavor! You might just never go back to making regular baked potatoes.
Batata Harra Recipe (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes)
If you want to wow someone using potatoes, you make them a batch of Batata Harra.
These potatoes are roasted in the oven until perfectly crispy and then coated with spicy oil. So, really, what makes these special is the spicy oil infused with flavorful spices.
It’s such a simple yet delicious way of making potatoes that I always use this recipe for special occasions. For the “what did you put in these?” factor.
Why this recipe works.
- Crispy potatoes. This recipe comes with all the tips to get a pan of perfectly roasted potatoes. Crispy on the outside with soft flavorful centers.
- Spicy oil. The star of the show, what makes these potatoes special. The ground spices are left to bloom in hot olive oil until flavorful. Once bloomed, the spicy oil is added to the potatoes. Simple but the spice combo is mind-blowingly delicious.
- Easy yet impressive. This is that one side dish to make when you want something effortless that tastes like a million dollar and will have people thinking you worked really hard for it.
- Everyone can enjoy these. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan friends? Everyone can dig in and indulge and you won’t have to scratch your head thinking of a side that will accommodate everyone!
Batata Harra Ingredients
Potatoes. The main ingredient. You want to scrub and peel your potatoes first, then cube them.
Olive oil. Make sure you enough for both roasting your potatoes and making the spicy oil. I recommend using a high-quality olive oil since it’s one of the key ingredients and cheaper brands often taste very strong and bitter.
Salt and pepper.
Garlic. Use fresh for best flavor.
Paprika. I like smoked but any will work.
Cumin.
Coriander.
Cayenne pepper for some heat.
Lemon juice, for topping. This is optional but highly recommended for a little zest. You want to use freshly-squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
Cilantro, for topping. This is also optional, in case you don’t like cilantro.
How to make Batata Harra
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
STEP TWO: Prepare the potatoes. Scrub, peel, and cut the potatoes into cubes of a similar size. Add them to a boil, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
STEP THREE: Bake. Place the potatoes on your prepared baking sheets. Do not overcrowd the pans and make sure the potatoes are sitting in a single layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid flipping if possible. Meanwhile, prepare the spicy oil.
STEP FOUR: Prepare the spicy oil. In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and garlic and allow the garlic to saute until fragrant without browning. Reduce heat to low and add the smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix and immediately turn off the heat. Allow the spices to bloom in the hot oil for a few minutes, stirring from time to time.
STEP FIVE: Serve. Remove the potatoes from the oven, pour the prepared spicy oil onto your potatoes, and toss until evenly coated. Top with cilantro and lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately!
Can I make these ahead of time?
No, sorry. Roasted vegetables in general are best when eaten fresh, when still warm and crispy.
How do I store Batata Harra?
Store any leftovers covered or in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the potatoes will lose their crispy texture overtime.
Reheat in a skillet or in the oven at 350F (180C) until hot. Keep an eye on the potatoes while reheating to keep the spices from burning.
HAPPY COOKING!! I hope you'll love this Batata Harra Recipe as much as I do!
PS: Please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating ⭐️ if you make it! Your comments make my day!! You can also tag me on Instagram @itsdamnspicy 🌈💘
More veggie recipes you’ll enjoy:
- Sweet Potato Fries with Aioli
- Healthy Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Italian Fried Zucchini Flowers
- Spicy Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots
Batata Harra Recipe
Ingredients
For The Potatoes
- 2 lb (1 kg) potatoes
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Spicy Oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- Lemon juice (optional, for topping)
- Cilantro (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the potatoes. Scrub, peel, and cut the potatoes into cubes of a similar size. Add them to a boil, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake. Place the potatoes on your prepared baking sheets. Do not overcrowd the pans and make sure the potatoes are sitting in a single layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid flipping if possible. Meanwhile, prepare the spicy oil.
- Prepare the spicy oil. In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and garlic and allow the garlic to saute until fragrant without browning. Reduce heat to low and add the smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Mix and immediately turn off the heat. Allow the spices to bloom in the hot oil for a few minutes, stirring from time to time.
- Serve. Remove the potatoes from the oven, pour the prepared spicy oil onto your potatoes, and toss until evenly coated. Top with cilantro and lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately!
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