Take your weeknight side dish game up a notch with batata harra, Middle Eastern spicy potatoes! Fluffy potatoes, fresh herbs, lime juice, and spices give you a mouthwatering skillet potato dish you will add to your regular rotation.  

Batata harra with a lime wedge for garnish in a skillet.

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 like turmeric and coriander seeds, which give them plenty of earthy flavor. A splash of lime juice adds a little extra brightness. 

Potatoes are so easy to have fun with, because you can eat them in various different forms. And whether they’re whipped into a garlicky dip, sliced into wedges and roasted, or piled with colorful toppings and baked, potatoes are the ultimate chameleon, seamlessly blending in with whatever flavors we cook them in. 

These skillet potatoes are yet more proof that potatoes can do anything, and in this recipe, we turn up the heat with red pepper flakes. These vegan, gluten free spicy potatoes are versatile, flavorful, and so quick to make – they come together in 25 minutes or less! Simply boil them, saute with herbs and spices, and serve!

What is batata harra? 

Batata harra translates from Arabic to “spicy potatoes”, and it is a popular Middle Eastern potato dish. In some countries, batata harra is extremely spicy, thanks to the addition of harissa paste or harissa spice blend

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. 

You can think of batata harra as being similar to the popular Spanish tapa patatas bravas, which are fried potatoes smothered in a spicy sauce. I always look for ways to make our food as healthy as possible, so while many batata harra recipes call for frying, I boiled mine then sautéed them in a little olive oil.  

Spicy potatoes with loads of fresh herbs in a cast-iron skillet.

Ingredients for spicy potatoes

Batata harra comes together with potatoes, spices, and fresh herbs. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Potatoes: You’ll need 6 medium-sized potatoes. Medium-sized potatoes should fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. 
  • Extra virgin olive oil: You’ll need a few tablespoons of good EVOO to saute the potatoes, spices, and herbs. 
  • Spices: Garlic, coriander seeds (or ground coriander), crushed red pepper flakes, and ground turmeric give these spicy potatoes the right amount of warmth and heat. 
  • Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors in this skillet potato dish.
  • Fresh herbs: You’ll need chopped cilantro leaves, flat-leaf parsley leaves, and dill. 

What are the best potatoes to use in batata harra?

Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite potato to use in this turmeric potatoes recipe. They are creamy and fluffy when cooked, but still hold their shape. 

All-purpose potatoes are the best for batata harra, because they have a medium amount of both starch and water, meaning they are suited to most kinds of preparation. Starchy varieties like russet potatoes and waxy kinds like fingerlings or red potatoes don’t have quite the right texture for this recipe. 

Cut the potatoes  into small bite-sized chunks after they’re boiled, so using whole baby potatoes wouldn’t be much of a shortcut, since you’d likely need to cut them into smaller pieces anyway. 

How to make batata harra

  • Boil 6 medium-sized gold potatoes. Simply peel the potatoes and boil them whole until they are fork tender, but not completely cooked through. (They will have a few minutes in the skillet to finish cooking.)

    whole Yukon gold potatoes in boiling water.
  • Cut the potatoes. Drain the potatoes or scoop them out of the water carefully using a slotted spoon. Place them on a cutting board and allow them to cool for a few minutes then cut the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Set them aside.

    Boiled potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sauté the spices. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 2 teaspoons coriander seeds. Cook for a couple of minutes before adding 2 teaspoons turmeric powder. If you decide to use 1 teaspoon coriander powder instead of seeds, add them here as well. Pour in the juice of 1 lime.

    spices and extra virgin olive oil in a cast-iron skillet.
  • Add the potatoes to the skillet. Toss well to coat them in the spices, then add a cup each chopped cilantro leaves, parsley leaves, and dill. Sprinkle some kosher salt and black pepper to taste, and allow the potatoes to cook for a few more minutes until completely tender. Once cooked, remove the batata harra from the heat and sprinkle with a bit more red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat. You can also add more fresh herbs.

    Turmeric potatoes in a cast-iron skillet.

Different ways to make batata harra 

Potatoes not only adopt the flavors they are paired with, but they also lend themselves to different cooking methods. I prefer to boil and saute them, but feel free to experiment with your own technique.

  • Boiling method: This is my favorite way to prepare batata harra. I use significantly less oil than the double-fry method, and I save time by boiling the potatoes instead of roasting them. 
  • Double-fry method: Start by deep frying the potatoes without any seasoning, and then move them to a skillet with just a little oil to finish cooking them with herbs and spices.
  • Roasting method: Roast the potatoes with some kosher salt and extra virgin olive oil until completely cooked (crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside), and then quickly toss them up with herbs and spices while hot. 

Ways to adjust the heat

Batata harra can be as spicy or as mild as you want it to be. My recipe, while subtly spicy, is on the milder side for this skillet potatoes dish. To tone down the heat further, cut the amount of red pepper flakes from 1 teaspoon to ½ teaspoon. 

If you want more heat, you have a few options: 

Note that both harissa powder and paste are a blend of several different spices. The flavor is much more complex than red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper alone.   

Middle Eastern spicy potatoes in a skillet with spices and herbs.

Ingredient swaps and substitutions

  • Potatoes: My preference in this recipe is Yukon gold potatoes, but another all-purpose potato would be a good option.
  • Herbs: I used one of my favorite herb trios: parsley, cilantro, and dill. But you don’t have to use all 3! If you don’t like cilantro, for example, simply skip it and use more parsley.

What to serve with batata harra

I like to serve these turmeric potatoes as a simple side dish. It goes well with many meat dishes including baked kofta, chicken souvlaki, or even pan-seared trout. It can be served hot or at room temperature. A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki are great cooling elements to tone down the heat! 

If you're up for a big mezze feast, definitely add these skillet potatoes next to other small dishes like:

How to store leftovers

Batata harra doesn’t last long in my household, so I usually don’t have leftovers! But leftover spicy potatoes will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Serve leftovers and room temperature, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra virgin olive oil for a few minutes until warm. 

More potato recipes to try

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4.96 from 46 votes

Batata Harra: Middle Eastern Spicy Potatoes

The Mediterranean Dish
Batata harra with a lime wedge for garnish in a skillet.
Easy vegan, gluten-free skillet potatoes prepared Middle Eastern-style with garlic, warm spices like turmeric, fresh herbs and a splash of lime juice! It's called batata harra, and it's ready in just 25 minutes, too! The best potatoes to use are all-purpose potatoes like Yukon gold potatoes. Serve these turmeric potatoes as a hearty side alongside baked kofta or pan-seared trout.
Prep – 5 minutes
Cook – 20 minutes
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Serves – 6 servings
Course:
Sides

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium-sized gold potatoes peeled
  • Water
  • 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds or a little more than 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more for later
  • 2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 lime, juice of
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Kosher salt and black 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.

Video

Notes

  • Best potatoes to use: An all-purpose potato like Yukon gold potatoes is my preference. 
  • How to adjust the heat: For a less spicy option, simply use less red pepper flakes. For more heat, add some cayenne pepper, harissa powder, or harissa paste.
  • Serving ideas: Serve batata harra as a side next to chicken souvlaki or pan-seared trout. Or, as part of a mezze feast with hummus, couscous salad, and roasted eggplant.
  • How to store and reheat leftovers: Leftover potatoes will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy leftovers at room temperature, or reheat in a skillet with some olive oil until warmed through.
  • Visit our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils, organic spices, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 210.5kcalCarbohydrates: 33.4gProtein: 4.4gFat: 7.6gSaturated Fat: 1.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.3gSodium: 125.2mgPotassium: 890.1mgFiber: 5.2gSugar: 1.7gVitamin A: 1734.8IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3.1mg
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* This post has been recently updated with new information and media for readers' benefit.

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Tasty and is a first cousin of the indian dish aloo bhaji, hara in hindi means green and could well apply to the herbs, in Indian cooking coriander is the prefered herb.

  2. 5 stars
    This dish is awesome! I made it last summer 2x one o my husband’s birthday and a gathering with my friends. The all love it! I lessened the herbs and it tasted perfect!

  3. 5 stars
    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.

    1. 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!

  4. 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!

    1. 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!

  5. 5 stars
    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?

    1. Hi, Fadi. Thanks for the feedback. I love this version with the parsley, but I realize there are variations of this throughout the Mediterranean.

  6. 5 stars
    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.

  7. 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!

  8. 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 🥔🌶🧄

  9. 5 stars
    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

  10. Looks great! If I wanted to finish off the potatoes in the oven instead, what temp and time do you recommend? Thanks Suzy!

    1. Hi Lama, I do not use the oven for this recipe. It's meant to be finished quickly in the skillet.

  11. 5 stars
    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!