Description
Batata Harra is a Lebanese dish of crispy fried potatoes tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, lemon, and cilantro. It’s the perfect spicy snack or side dish, especially when paired with salad and grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 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
- To make the spicy tomato sauce: In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about 4 minutes until the tomato paste darkens in color, from bright red to reddish brown. This process removes acidity from the paste.
- Add the red pepper flakes, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and salt to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Finish the sauce with cilantro and lemon juice. Mix together and taste. Adjust seasoning by adding more red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat. Set the sauce aside.
- For the potatoes: Soak the cubed potatoes in ice-cold water for 10 minutes.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and parboil for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Toss the potatoes in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan to about 350°F. Fry the potatoes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then transfer them to the pan with the tomato sauce.
- Toss the potatoes in the sauce until well coated. Serve warm!
Notes
- Serve with a side of salad and grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- If you want extra heat, add sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Be sure to fry the potatoes in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg