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Batata Harra, a delicious and spicy Lebanese-Syrian potato dish, is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Featuring perfectly pan-fried potatoes with a vibrant combination of red peppers, garlic, and fresh coriander, it’s a healthy and satisfying side that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to stews. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, Batata Harra is perfect for those busy days when you want something easy yet flavorful.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

450g (3 cups) new potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and diced (1-1.5 cm)
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons rapeseed (canola) oil
½-1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1 lemon, zest and juice
30g (⅓ packed cup) fresh coriander, chopped
Coarse sea salt to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the new potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender. Drain and allow them to steam dry for 2-3 minutes. Once dry, cut the potatoes into 1.5-2 cm pieces.

2. Cook the Potatoes and Vegetables:
Heat the rapeseed oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, red pepper, and dried chili flakes. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

3. Add Garlic and Coriander:
Add the garlic and half of the chopped coriander to the pan. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring well to combine the flavors.

4. Finish and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, remaining coriander, and fresh lemon juice to taste. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and serve immediately.

Nutrients

(Approximate values per serving)

Calories: 373 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1491mg

The Essence of Batata Harra

Batata Harra translates to “spicy potatoes” in Arabic, and this dish truly lives up to its name. The vibrant flavors come from the combination of roasted or pan-fried potatoes, red peppers, garlic, and a unique blend of spices that include chili flakes and fresh coriander. Unlike heavy, greasy fried potatoes, Batata Harra is a lighter version that’s packed with freshness and heat. The dish uses simple ingredients but delivers a punch of flavor with every bite, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bold, spicy, and aromatic dishes.

The beauty of Batata Harra lies in its simplicity—this is a dish that doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few minutes of prep and cooking are needed to bring together the warm, comforting potatoes with the spicy, savory notes of garlic and chili, making it a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

A Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

One of the key aspects that makes Batata Harra so enjoyable is the texture of the potatoes. When prepared correctly, the potatoes are crispy on the outside, thanks to their pan-frying in oil, yet remain soft and tender on the inside. This crispy and creamy texture is the perfect base for the flavors of the other ingredients. The red bell peppers, which are sautéed along with the potatoes, bring a mild sweetness that contrasts with the heat from the chili flakes, adding another layer of complexity to the dish.

The garlic, which is added later in the cooking process, infuses the potatoes with its pungent yet aromatic flavor, providing a rich depth that complements the sweetness of the peppers and the heat from the chili. The fresh coriander adds a burst of herbal freshness that balances out the heat, while the final addition of lemon zest and juice brings a citrusy brightness, cutting through the richness of the dish and adding a refreshing touch.

The Role of Fresh Herbs and Spices

The combination of spices and herbs is crucial to Batata Harra’s distinctive flavor profile. Dried chili flakes add the signature heat that defines this dish, but the level of spice can easily be adjusted depending on personal preferences. For those who prefer a milder dish, less chili can be used, while those who enjoy more heat can increase the amount of chili flakes for a more fiery experience.

Fresh coriander is another key ingredient in Batata Harra. Its bright, citrusy notes complement the heat of the chili and the richness of the garlic, creating a beautifully balanced dish. Coriander also brings a fragrant herbaceousness that enhances the overall freshness of the dish. Some variations of Batata Harra also use additional spices, such as cumin or paprika, to further deepen the flavor, but the core elements remain simple and fresh, highlighting the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the bold flavors of the seasonings.

A Healthy and Nourishing Side Dish

While Batata Harra is undeniably full of flavor, it also offers numerous health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a healthy side dish. Potatoes, the star ingredient, are often misunderstood in terms of their nutritional value. When prepared without excessive amounts of fat, potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function, as well as vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.

The dish is also high in fiber, thanks to the inclusion of both potatoes and vegetables like bell peppers. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. The use of olive oil to pan-fry the potatoes adds healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation in the body.

With the addition of garlic, fresh coriander, and a splash of lemon, Batata Harra becomes a well-rounded and nourishing dish that not only provides flavor but also offers numerous health benefits. Its combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins makes it a balanced addition to any meal.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Batata Harra is its versatility. While it’s traditionally served as a side dish in Lebanese and Syrian cuisines, it can also be enjoyed as a main dish, particularly for those who prefer plant-based meals. It pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins, from grilled meats like chicken and lamb to vegetarian dishes like falafel or hummus. It’s equally delicious served alongside a fresh salad or as part of a mezze platter, where it can be enjoyed in small portions alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Batata Harra can also be a great addition to meal prep. You can make a large batch of the dish and store it in the fridge for several days, allowing the flavors to develop further as it sits. The dish can easily be reheated and still retain its crispy texture, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or packed lunches. Whether served warm or at room temperature, Batata Harra remains delicious and satisfying, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and store.

Simple Yet Flavorful: A Quick and Easy Dish

Another reason Batata Harra is a favorite among home cooks is how quick and easy it is to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a full, flavorful meal on the table with minimal effort. The preparation involves simple steps, such as boiling and chopping the potatoes, sautéing the vegetables, and tossing everything together with the spices. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that feels special and satisfying.

This makes Batata Harra perfect for busy days when you need to prepare something quick yet full of flavor. The simplicity of the recipe means that you can easily adapt it to your preferences or available ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or as part of a more elaborate meal, Batata Harra is always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Batata Harra is a delicious, healthy, and flavorful side dish that brings the bold flavors of Lebanese and Syrian cuisine to your kitchen. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, garlic, red bell peppers, and fresh herbs, this dish is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, as a vegetarian main, or as part of a mezze spread, Batata Harra is versatile, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying. The dish offers a perfect combination of texture, flavor, and nutrition, making it an excellent addition to any meal. With its simplicity and vibrant flavors, Batata Harra is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation, adding both excitement and nourishment to your dining table.