Batata Harra: Spicy Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro Recipe
Batata Harra is a flavorful Middle Eastern roasted potato dish featuring crispy, spiced potatoes tossed with garlic, chili flakes, paprika, fresh lemon juice, and fresh cilantro. This vibrant and aromatic side pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian delight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 46 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch (2 cm) cubes
Seasoning and Oil
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper/pul biber)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes (optional): Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and diced potatoes and boil for 6 minutes to partially cook them. Drain the potatoes well and let steam escape for 1 minute. This step is optional but helps the potatoes achieve a crispier texture when baked.
- Season and bake: Spread the parboiled potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the potatoes evenly and arrange them in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp around the edges.
- Make the garlic oil: While the potatoes are baking, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and half of the chopped cilantro. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic turns lightly golden. Remove the pan from heat to prevent burning.
- Finish and serve: Once the potatoes are hot and crispy, pour the warm garlic oil mixture over them and toss gently to coat. Transfer the potatoes to a serving plate, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle the remaining chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Boiling the potatoes before baking is optional but recommended for crispier results.
- You can substitute cilantro with parsley if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as a vegetarian main with a fresh salad.
- Use a high smoke point olive oil for roasting to avoid burning.
Keywords: Batata Harra, roasted potatoes, Middle Eastern potatoes, spicy potatoes, garlic potatoes, crispy potatoes, vegetarian side dish
