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Batata Harra

Batata Harra might just be the best way to enjoy potatoes! This Lebanese dish literally translates to spicy potatoes as it’s crispy fried potatoes tossed in a spicy sauce with lemon and cilantro. If you like potatoes, you’ll absolutely love this – especially enjoyed with some salad and grilled chicken!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
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Ingredients

POTATOES

  • 3 large Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • vegetable oil for frying

SPICY GARLIC TOMATO SAUCE

  • 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 

MAKE THE SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

  1. To a saucepan, add the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 4 minutes.
  2. The tomato paste will darken in color from a bright red to reddish brown. This process removes acidity from the tomato paste.
  3. Then add the red pepper flakes, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir together.
  4. Finally, finish it off with cilantro and lemon juice and mix together until a sauce forms.
  5. Taste and adjust anything to your liking. If you want it more spicy, add more red pepper flakes or I like to add sriracha. Then set aside.

PREPARE THE POTATOES

  1. Add the potatoes to ice cold water and allow to soak for 10 minutes.
  2. To a pot of boiling salted water, add the cubed potatoes and parboil for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain all the water and pat dry.
  3. Toss the potatoes in cornstarch until all are coated evenly.
  4. Heat a pan with vegetable oil for frying (about 350°F). Once hot, add the potatoes, making sure they're not overcrowded. Fry until golden brown and then transfer to the pan with the tomato sauce.
  5. Toss the potatoes in the sauce and serve warm!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!