Middle Eastern Batata Harra Recipe
Batata harra is a dish of spiced potatoes enjoyed throughout Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey. The potatoes are cut into small pieces and roasted or fried then tossed in a sauce before serving. It is usually served as a side for meat dishes.
The potatoes may be boiled first before further roasted or frying to ensure they are very tender. The sauce has an olive oil base and is flavored with herbs like cilantro and spices.
‘Batata’ is Arabic for potato and ‘harra; comes from har, meaning spicy, hot or warm. The level of spiciness varies between Middle Eastern countries; Egyptian batata harra is subtle with few spices while other parts of the region prefer it spicey using hot peppers like harissa paste for heat or just spice filled, using multiple spices like coriander, cumin and paprika.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Batata harras’ precise location of origin is unknown, although most people believe it originated in Lebanon.
Middle Eastern Batata Harra Recipe
Batata harra is a dish of spiced potatoes. The potatoes are cut into small pieces and roasted or fried then tossed in a sauce before serving.
Ingredients
- Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes) - 8
- Olive oil (divided) - 2 tbsp
- Salt - ½ tsp
- Garlic (minced) - 3 cloves
- Crushed red pepper (divided) - 2 tsp
- Cilantro (chopped, divided) - 1 cup
- Lemon wedges - for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet in one layer, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on top and season with salt.
- Roast until the potatoes reach a golden brown color and crisp, about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan.
- Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon of the crushed red pepper and half the cilantro.
- Sauté until the garlic is golden in color, about 2 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer the garlic mixture on top of the potatoes and toss with the remaining cilantro and the red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot or warm with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 197Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
