Description
Batata Harra is a popular Lebanese dish that’s sure to spice up your meals. Crispy fried potatoes are tossed in a flavorful spicy garlic tomato sauce with a zesty lemon and cilantro kick. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish, especially when paired with a fresh salad and grilled chicken!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 4 minutes until the tomato paste darkens from bright red to reddish brown.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and salt.
- Finish the sauce by adding the cilantro and lemon juice. Stir until the sauce is well combined, then taste and adjust seasoning. For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. Set aside.
- Place the cubed potatoes in ice-cold water and soak for 10 minutes.
- Boil salted water in a pot, add the potatoes, and parboil for 5-6 minutes. Drain and pat the potatoes dry.
- Toss the potatoes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F. Add the potatoes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry until golden brown, then transfer to the saucepan with the prepared tomato sauce.
- Toss the fried potatoes in the spicy sauce to coat them thoroughly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra crispy texture, ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before frying.
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or incorporating sriracha for an extra kick.
- Pair with a fresh salad and grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- For a vegetarian-friendly dish, skip the chicken and serve with pita bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg