Batata Harra

Name: Batata Harra
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Levantine
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes; 6 cloves garlic; 1 cup fresh coriander; 1 hot pepper; 1/2 lemon; 1 teaspoon salt; about 2 cups frying oil

Crispy potato cubes tossed with garlic, coriander, chili peppers and a squeeze of lemon.

Vegan

Cooking time: 35 min
Hands-on time: 25 min
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Levantine
Calories: 260

The item that finishes first in any mezze. Fried potatoes are thrown into a pan of hot garlic and coriander, absorbing all the flavor and remaining crispy — and the lemon at the end is what awakens the whole dish.

Before you start

Before you beginRead the steps completely, measure the ingredients, and prepare the tools before turning on the heat or oven.
ServingThe base can be prepared in advance, then add the toppings and crunchy ingredients before serving.

Ingredients

4people

Amounts follow the number of people

To prepare Batata Harra

4 large potatoes — Medium cubes
6 cloves garlic — minced
1 cup fresh coriander — minced
1 hot pepper — Chopped — as hot as you like
1/2 lemon — A final squeeze
1 teaspoon salt — to taste
about 2 cups frying oil — As needed

For a larger number of guests, double the ingredients, adding salt and acidity gradually after tasting.

Equipment

Deep pot for frying — Fry in batches so the cubes crisp.
Wide frying pan — The final toss is one minute over high heat.

Method

Fry the potato cubes in hot oil in batches.
10 min
You’ll know it’s ready when
Golden and crispy on all sides.
Tip: Dry the cubes well before frying — water is the enemy of crispiness.
In a wide pan, sauté the garlic and chili peppers in a little oil for half a minute, then add the coriander.
10 min
You’ll know it’s ready when
The garlic and coriander smell fragrant — before the garlic browns.
Tip: Work in batches and maintain a consistent temperature for even browning.
Add the potatoes and salt, stir over high heat for one minute, squeeze lemon over it and serve immediately.
5 min
You’ll know it’s ready when
The mixture is homogeneous, and the flavors and texture are distributed evenly.
Tip: Mix only until homogeneous and taste before adding more salt.