Everyone loves potatoes. I know I sure do! They just may very well one of the most international foods around. Everyone has their own specific recipes and twists to this beloved favorite too. These beloved tubers go by many names – potatoes, pappas, patata, pommes, and in the Middle East they are known as batatas, just to name a few.
One of the dishes I made for my Middle Eastern dinner was spicy cilantro potatoes, or batata harra. Batata harra are fried potatoes tossed in a spicy, garlicy herbed olive oil. You can enjoy them on their own, or with a cool lemon or yogurt sauce.
Spicy Cilantro Potatoes
I used baby red potatoes for this recipe. Any kind of potato will do, but I was making them for a large group, and I thought these were a better choice. Besides, they look pretty. 🙂
2 lbs baby red potatoes, washed and quartered
4 TBSP olive oil
2-3 TBSP chili olive oil, optional
salt and pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste
1-2 TBSP garlic
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Bring about half the oil(s) to about 375* F or 190*C in a large saucepan. Add the potatoes, and fry until they are golden brown. If you are cooking a lot of potatoes, you may need to cook them in smaller batches to ensure more even cooking.
Combine the remaining oil(s), garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and cilantro together and mix well.
When the potatoes are lightly browned all around, immediately toss together with the oil and cilantro mix. Serve immediately after. These are best when served hot.
I love potatoes of all kinds. I think they are right up there with bread. I could easily live on potatoes and bread. And lucky for me, potatoes are extremely versatile, and there are endless possibilities on how to prepare them.
These were yet another big hit and all disappeared. This is great, but I was hoping there would be some leftover for another time. I guess I will just have to make some more. 🙂
Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.
A Jeanne in the Kitchen 
These look very tasty. I could also live on bread and potatoes, love my carbs!
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You and me both. 🙂 Thank you.
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Great idea to combine potatoes and cilantro!
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It was delicious too. Cool from the cilantro, and the heat from the chili oil. The potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. YUM! 🙂
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