Lebanese Potatoes

Thank you to Cook Fork Plate at https://cookplatefork.com/ for this delicious idea for Lebanese potatoes or Batata Harra. Of course I made the recipe my own, but I was inspired by his idea. They came out great. They were so full of flavor.

Batata harra is Arabic for spicy potatoes. The “spice” in batata harra typically comes from Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. It is a classic Lebanese-fried dish of crispy,cubed twice-fried potatoes tossed in a fragrant, zesty sauce of cilantro, garlic, chili, and lemon. Originating in Lebanon and widely popular throughout the Levant (including Syria), it is a staple of Lebanese cuisine and a cornerstone of the mezze (appetizer) platter. It is also enjoyed in many parts of Spain, and are a cousin to patatas bravas. As with many other classic dishes that have been around for generations, this dish started out as a poor man’s meal, because the ingredients were inexpensive and readily available. Today, it is enjoyed by everyone.

Lebanese Potatoes with Cilantro & Lemon

The lemon cilantro sauce really made the potatoes pop. It is similar to a lemon pesto sauce that I mixed in with the potatoes. You can make the cilantro lemon sauce in advance too.

2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, quartered

1 cup fresh cilantro

2-3 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP garlic

1 tsp paprika

1-2 tsp Za’Atar seasoning

salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp red pepper flakes

4 TBSP lemon juice

olive oil and butter for cooking

Par boil the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes in water with about 1 TBSP of vinegar, then drain. Get a large skillet very hot and add about 2 TBSP of olive oil and 1-2 TBSP butter. Add the potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until browned, stirring frequenlty.

Place all the other ingredients into a food processor and process until it is all blended together and liquid.

Once the potatoes are browned, add the sauce to the potatoes, and mix together thoroughly. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

Serve alongside your favorite entrees and enjoy. I served it next to some pork chops with the rest of my whiskey sauce Smoked Turkey In Whiskey Sauce and some green beans. I used some of the remaining sauce for my green beans as well, to give them more pizzazz. Delicious!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Life is what you make it, so make it fantastic. May 2026 be filled with happiness, good health and prosperity for all. ‘Til next time.