LevantineLebanese Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)
Cubes of potato roasted until crisp and tossed with garlic, cilantro, Aleppo pepper and lemon. A spicy Lebanese mezze and side dish.
Method
Read the full method before starting. Cooking times are guides; check texture and doneness as you cook.
Shows the steps one at a time, with a timer for each timed step.
Saucepan or pot, Oven and tray, Sharp knife and board
Measure, cut, and arrange every ingredient in order of use. Read the full method and keep finishing ingredients separate.
- 01
Cutting
10 minutesHeat the oven to 220°C. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2 cm cubes.
Success cueEven cubes of the same size.
- 02
Roasting
35 minutesOven heatToss them with half of the olive oil and the salt and roast them on a tray for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
Success cueGolden, crisp cubes.
- 03
Garlic and cilantro
2 minutesLow heatMeanwhile, fry the crushed garlic in the rest of the olive oil over low heat for 1 minute, then add the cilantro and Aleppo pepper and stir for 30 seconds.
Success cueFragrant garlic that has not browned.
Watch outKeep the heat low; browned garlic turns bitter.
- 04
Tossing
2 minutesToss the hot potatoes with the garlic and cilantro mixture and the lemon juice and serve at once.
Success cueEvery cube is coated and still crisp.
PlateMap is still in testing. Quantities and results may vary with ingredients and equipment. Please check food safety yourself, especially with meat and poultry.
Cooking tips
Cooking the garlic for just a minute keeps it sweet; browned garlic turns bitter.
- • Dry the cubes well before oiling them so they crisp up.
- • Add the lemon only at the end so the potatoes stay crisp.
Common mistakes
- • Crowding the tray, so the potatoes steam instead of crisping.
- • Burning the garlic, which makes the dish bitter.
Serving ideasServe hot as a mezze or beside grilled chicken.
Potential allergens
Check ingredient labels
Compound ingredients vary by product; check labels and possible cross-contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fry the potatoes instead?
Yes. Deep-fry them at 180°C for 6 to 8 minutes until golden, then toss them with the sauce.
How spicy is it?
Medium. Use more Aleppo pepper or a fresh chili for more heat.
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