If you haven't tried Batata Harra yet, you are in for a treat! These quick Middle Eastern skillet potatoes pack tons of flavor from garlic, fresh herbs, and a unique mix of warm spices. A splash of lime juice adds a little extra brightness.
These vegan and gluten-free spicy potatoes are such a versatile dish that comes together in 25 minutes or less! Be sure to see the video and step-by-step tutorial below.
What is Batata Harra?
Batata Harra literally means spicy potatoes--a fairly popular Middle Eastern skillet potatoes dish.
Batata Harra is a versatile dish that you can think of both as a side or or even a unique potato salad. And you will find several variations of it throughout the Middle East.
In some countries, Batata Harra is extremely spicy, thanks to the the addition of harrisa paste. But in places like Egypt, where I grew up, you'll find these skillet potatoes to be subtly spicy with just a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, relying more on garlic, fresh herbs and warm spices like turmeric for flavor.
Today's batata harra skillet potatoes lean more toward the Egyptian version; no surprise to you. It is not overwhelmingly spicy, and you can certainly adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ways to serve these Spicy Skillet Potatoes
I like to serve batata harra as a simple side dish. It goes well with many meat dishes including baked kofta; chicken souvlaki; or even pan-seared trout. But it's also meant to be enjoyed at room temperature as a potato salad; great with a dollop of Tzatziki sauce or plain Greek yogurt.
If you're up for a big mezze feast, definitely add these skillet potato next to other small dishes like hummus; roasted eggplant; tabouli; couscous salad or Tuscan white bean salad with shrimp.
Here's Batata Harra Step-by-step
1. First, boil peeled potatoes in water
2. Once potatoes are well cooked through (they should be soft in the middle that you can easily stick a fork through), drain and let cool briefly. Cut potatoes into cubes.
4. Now the flavoring fun begins! Heat some EVOO in a large skillet and cook garlic with red pepper flakes and coriander seed over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add turmeric and lemon juice (your kitchen will small like heaven!)
4. Now toss in the potatoes and make sure to coat them well with the lemony spice mixture. Add fresh herbs and toss again to coat. Let potatoes cook a few more minutes in skillet.
5. The final touches! Remove from heat and add more red pepper flakes (you don't have to if it's already spicy enough for you). Add more of the fresh herbs as well.
Watch the Video for How to Make Batata Harra Skillet Potatoes
Batata Harra: Middle Eastern Skillet Potatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
Description
Easy skillet potatoes prepared Middle Eastern-style with garlic, warm spices, fresh herbs and a splash of lime juice! Vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized gold potatoes, peeled
- Water
- 3 tbsp Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp coriander seeds or a little more than 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, more for later
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 lime, juice of
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and place them in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, and let them cook in the boiling water for 10 minutes or so. The potatoes should be cooked through but still firm.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool briefly. Cut the potatoes in smaller bite-size cubes or pieces.
- Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet on medium. Stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes and coriander seeds. Cook for 2-3 minutes then add the turmeric and the lime juice.
- Toss in the potatoes, and mix well to coat. Add ½ of the fresh cilantro, parsley and fresh dill. Cook for 4 more minutes. Add salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Remove from heat and top with more red pepper flakes and the remaining fresh herbs. You can serve this potato salad warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adapted from Mediterranean Cookbook.
- Visit our store to browse our spices, olive oils and bundles!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Sides
- Method: Stove top
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Vegetarian
Keywords: Batata harra, spicy potatoes, potato salad, vegetarian potato salad, vegan potato salad
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Karen says
This is delicious Suzy! I think this is my new favorite potato side dish! What a wonderful change from mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries, etc. So much more flavor, and much healthier. Thank you for making easy, healthy, delicious Mediterranean dishes! This is my go-to site for recipes.
★★★★★
Suzy says
Wonderful! Love to hear it! Thanks, Karen!
Gail says
Can you tell me what weight of potatoes to use? "six" varies a lot in size. Thank you.
Suzy says
Hi, Gail. I don't have exact measurements, but it should be 6 medium-sized potato. Generally, a medium-sized potato is one that can fit comfortably in the palm of your had. Hope that helps!
Heidi L Olson says
Easy and delish! We made for a side dish with Lamb Kofta.
★★★★★
Yann says
Hi! I've tried this recipe recently and it was really good. My only problem was my garlic was burnt at the end... How can I prevent that? Greetings!
Suzy says
Hi, Yann. It might be that your oil/pan is too hot. Next time, maybe try reducing the heat a bit and keep the garlic moving in you pan. Hope that helps!
Irene says
This was a hit for us, thank you so much. Just one thing if I do not have lime but have lemon juice what would be the measurements for that?
★★★★★
Suzy says
Hi, Irene. About 2 tablespoons will work.
fadi says
dear
i am Chef Fadi
for Potato Harra No need to add parsley
Suzy says
Hi, Fadi. Thanks for the feedback. I love this version with the parsley, but I realize there are variations of this throughout the Mediterranean.
Nancy OConnor says
Suzy, served last night with baked cod all plates cleaned up. I have just totally switched how I cook . The Mediterranean Dish is my go to meal planner. Thank you for all the great meals and Family tips. Amazing.
PS Yes and yes everything is better with feta.
★★★★★
Suzy says
So glad to hear it, Nancy! Thank you!!!
Crystal Helton says
I am excited to try this dish but in the beginning description you write lemon as the citrus but the recipe itself calls for lime. I know it's a minor detail but do you have a preference? Thanks!
Ruth Davidson says
I wanted to try making Mutabbaq and was looking for a Middle- Eastern potatoe side dish to go with them, this was perfect! Zingy and tasty but also so fresh. Loved it 🥔🌶🧄
Suzy says
Thanks, Ruth!
abe says
one of the top, tastiest potato dishes my girlfriend & I have ever had...we have loves potatoes for each of 60+ years of our lives and can’t wait to make it again...esp for friends & families
★★★★★
Suzy says
I am so glad to hear it!
Auds says
This seems like a lot of herbs? Thanks
Adhinds says
Vibrant and energetic
Suzy says
Thank you!!
Lama says
Looks great! If I wanted to finish off the potatoes in the oven instead, what temp and time do you recommend? Thanks Suzy!
Saba Karadsheh says
Hi Lama, I do not use the oven for this recipe. It's meant to be finished quickly in the skillet.
Martha says
Just wondering if it would be ok to keep the skins on? I’d like to try this soon.
★★★★★
Suzy says
I think you can keep the potato skins on for this recipe if you really like, Martha.
Angela M says
So delish! My potatoes were pretty larger so i added more fresh herbs, 1 more tsp turmeric and another lime, and I think I got the taste the recipe was meant to be. LOVE IT! going to go so well with my grilled salmon! thank you!
★★★★★
Suzy says
Wonderful, Angela! So glad to hear it.