Potatoes with Garlic and Cilantro is a famous appetizer that everyone likes! In Lebanon we refer to it as Batata Harra or Hot Potatoes (spicy). There are many ways to enjoy this Lebanese staple, the traditional way is to fry the potatoes before adding the cilantro and garlic. My healthier version is to broil them then add the remaining ingredients. Believe me when I say that you will not be compromising the taste by broiling the potatoes.
This dish is really simple and easy to make. You can prepare it in a breeze even if you’re a novice in the kitchen! It is one of many items that makes the Lebanese Meza and is very delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 bunch green cilantro (or ½ cup dried cilantro leaves)
- 5-8 large fresh garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 table spoons of olive oil
- A dash of salt
Method:
- Slice the potatoes into small cubes of about ¾ inch with a thickness of about ½ inch.
- Spray a baking dish/tray with vegetable spray and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. (I use the broiler in my oven to high instead of baking and use the lower rack).
- Lay the cubed potatoes in the tray and spray them with vegetable spray as well. Salt them lightly.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake till crispy (or broil). Watch your oven well so you don’t burn them.
- Alternatively If you’re using the frying method, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer and fry them until they’re golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile rinse the cilantro leaves then discard the stems, and chop the leaves very finely. Lay the leaves on a paper towel for a few minutes to dry the water from them.
- In a frying pan, add the crushed garlic then sauté it over medium heat in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil just for a couple of minutes. You want the garlic to stay a bit raw, not fully cooked, or otherwise if you overcook it, the garlic looses its flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt, then add the chopped cilantro and the lemon juice to the garlic and sauté them well for a minute or two.
- Finally add the fried (broiled) potatoes to the pan, mix them well with the garlic mixture and cook for 3-5 more minutes while stirring, and you’re done.
- If you love spicy food, add some cayenne pepper or finely chop a bit of green jalapeño peppers and add them to the cilantro sauté before adding the crispy potatoes.
- Serve hot or cold as an appetizer.